Mary Alice (Haines) Cole was born on September 28, 1927, in Indianola, Nebraska, to Marie and Clarence Haines.

An only child, Mary grew up in Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. As the daughter of a train station agent, she moved often but made friends easily in small rural towns, attending schools where the total student population was sometimes as few as 30.

Mary began taking piano lessons at a young age and soon became an accomplished classical pianist. Her parents purchased a piano for her, and she continued her classical training throughout her teenage years.

As a child, Mary and her mother traveled frequently to visit family in neighboring states. As a young adult, she traveled to New York City with several girlfriends. During high school and after graduation, she worked as an assistant clerk in the county courthouse. When the county clerk prepared to retire, Mary was encouraged to apply for the position. Instead, she and a friend chose to move to Colorado—her friend to Denver, and Mary to the smaller city of Colorado Springs. Upon arriving in Colorado Springs without knowing anyone, she quickly found both an apartment and a job.

Mary later returned to Lincoln, Nebraska, where she met her future husband, William Joseph (“Bill”) Cole, on a blind date. Bill was stationed in Lincoln with the Air Force. They were married on November 1, 1956, and began their life together in a small mobile home. They had two children, Robert Clare Cole and Daniel William Cole. In 1959, the family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, where Bill’s mother lived.

The family later settled in Largo, Florida, where they lived until 1980, when Mary and Bill moved to Inverness, Florida, for Bill’s work. During that time, they partnered with another couple to open a Hallmark store in Inverness, eventually taking full ownership, with Mary managing the business.

After retirement, Mary and Bill moved several times before settling in Valdosta, Georgia, to be closer to their son Robert. Both were active volunteers in the community, including at South Georgia Medical Center.

Following Bill’s passing in 2015, Mary moved to the assisted living area of the Presbyterian Home in Quitman. She formed many friendships there and in the surrounding community and enjoyed playing the piano, participating in games, and attending services, which often featured a wonderful pianist. Mary was a devoted and caring wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished making lasting memories with her family.

Mary is survived by her son, Daniel Cole, and his wife, Pamela; two grandchildren, Matthew Cole and Sarah Schneider; and four great-grandchildren.

Mary will be laid to rest beside her husband at Florida National Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com.