Catherine "Cal" Mary Cole

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Catherine (Cal) Cole at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at the age of 83, surrounded and supported with love by her family.

Cal was predeceased by her mother, Genevieve (McDonald) Cole Ezekiel, fathers; Thomas Cole and Peter Ezekiel, brother Gordon, brother in law Bill Kennedy, and nephew Matthew Kennedy.

Leaving behind with a lifetime of loving memories are her sisters: Marguerite Cole, Donna Kennedy (Bill-deceased), Carol Ann Lewis (Don) and her brother, Ron Ezekiel (Shirley). She will be deeply missed by her nieces and nephews: Jason (Michelle), Aaron (Kristi) and Meghan Kennedy; Jennifer, Blair ( Stephanie), Bradley (Ashlee), and Kyle (Rochelle) Ezekiel; Renee (Willie Walsh), Sarah, David (Iryna) and Adam Lewis. Cal also leaves to mourn six grand nieces: Lauren Ezekiel, Kate and Ireland Walsh, Maddison Kennedy, Kylie and Emma Ezekiel; nine grand nephews: George, Henry and Jack Kennedy, Will and Ben Ezekiel, and Alex, Erik, Henry and Charlie Lewis; and a large circle of cousins and lifelong friends.

Cal had a rewarding career with the Federal Government in offices in St. John’s, Halifax, London, Goose Bay and Ottawa. These positions included varied duties and activities at the managerial level. One of her fondest memories was being a guest at a formal dinner with Prince Philip in Goose Bay.

A world traveler, Cal travelled extensively throughout Canada and the USA, and other faraway lands such as Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe and Mexico, to name a few. Many of these travels included river and oceanic cruises. But no matter how much she roamed, Harbour Main was always home. Here she would spend her visits reconnecting with people from her happy childhood, frequently dropping in for a cup of tea and a chat. When she celebrated her 65th birthday it had to be at the parish hall in Harbour Main, where in spite of a freezing rain storm, 150 guests came out to celebrate her.

A woman of deep faith, Cal was a great believer in the power of prayer, as evidenced by the many novenas she made for anyone in need.  And, while Cal’s journey had its share of obstacles, anyone who knew her was often touched by her kind, warm and caring nature, and her acceptance of all people. If we were to choose one of these as being outstanding, it would be her kindness.  She went above and beyond to help and accommodate anyone in need - whether she knew them or not - whether the need was great or small. Cal had great empathy for everyone.

Cal loved vivid, bright colors.  Like everything she enjoyed, Cal was “ vibrant”  herself. She enjoyed music and song and loved to dance and party. She once did (and won) a 24-hour dance marathon to raise money for a worthy cause.

Her legacy will live on in the hearts of family and friends.

Cal’s family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the ER staff, Dr Catherine Murray and team and the nursing staff on 4 South A at the Health Sciences Centre for their care and compassionate concern to Cal and her family. Our thanks also to the staff at both Pleasant View Towers and Ruby Manor for their care and kindness to Cal in the last few years. We extend thanks also to family and friends for support throughout Cal’s illness , and for their continuing support in these difficult days.

At Cal’s request, cremation has taken place. Resting at Dunphy’s Funeral Home, Holyrood. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 9th from 1:00 pm - 7:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service to celebrate Cal’s life will be held at Dunphy’s Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Star of the Sea, Holyrood. The inurnment will follow at the Columbarium in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Harbour Main at 4:30 pm.

Flowers are gratefully accepted or donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Society of Canada or a charity of one’s choice.