Joan E. Cole

A memorial service for Joan E. Cole, age 85, of Ogdensburg, will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Frary Funeral Home in Ogdensburg. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. A reception will follow at the Quality of Working Life Building, 642 Arnold Wagner Road, Ogdensburg.

Mrs. Cole passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Canton-Potsdam Hospital following a brief illness.
Arrangements are under the direction of Frary Funeral Home, Ogdensburg.

Joan E. Cole was born on August 6, 1940, in Ogdensburg, New York, the daughter of the late Floyd and Irene (Hewlett) Woodrow. She was a 1958 graduate of Hermon-DeKalb Central School and later attended Ogdensburg Business School. On June 3, 1961, she married Kenneth G. Cole at St. Mary's Cathedral in Ogdensburg. They shared 54 devoted years of marriage until Kenneth's passing on November 14, 2015. Joan began her career at Wassaic State School and later transferred to the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center, where she remained until her retirement in 1995. Together, Joan and Kenneth were longtime organizers of the annual Ogdensburg International Seaway Festival. She enjoyed bowling, gardening, traveling with Ken, and was known for being one of the best dancers at any wedding celebration. Joan also loved making ceramics, crocheting, and baking, and was especially well-known for her delicious cream puffs. Above all, she treasured the time she spent with her family.

She is survived by her children: Christopher (Sally) Cole of Ogdensburg; Alan (Dawn) Cole of Hermon; and Jennifer Cole Warriner and her husband, Justin, of Lisbon. She is also survived by her grandchildren Alycia Dezell (Brent Lalonde), Lindsay (JP) Manke, Mackenzie (Brianna Ferchen) Cole, Kylie (David) Proven, Katie (Noelle Tranvo) Cole, Kristi (Sean) Robinson, Andrew (Nichole Czuber) Cole, Christopher Cole, Anthony (Kalyn) Gebolys, Jeremy Warriner, and Hannah Warriner.; and her great-grandchildren: Ava and Blake Dezel,l Halle Robinson; Spencer and Fletcher Manke; and Godric, Marrok, and Rinoa Gebolys. She is further survived by her sister, Shirley Cookingham of Amenia, NY; and her in-laws, Jim Cole of Ogdensburg, Jane Jackson of Calgary, Alberta, Blanche Cole, Karen Cole, Joanie Woodrow, and Linda Woodrow
In addition to her parents, Joan was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth G. Cole, and her brothers, James and John Woodrow.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Canton-Potsdam Hospital, especially the Critical Care Unit, for the compassionate care provided.

Memorial contributions in Joan's name may be made to the Ogdensburg International Seaway Festival, P.O. Box 367, Ogdensburg, NY 13669.

Online condolences may be shared at www.FraryFuneralHome.com.