Virginia F. Cole

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Annabelle Cuddy; brothers Roland (Jack) Cuddy, David Cuddy, and Richard Nichols and his wife, Jeanne.

She is survived by her brother, Charles Cuddy; and sisters-in-law Carolyn Cuddy and Judy Cuddy.

In 1952, Virginia married Leonard Cole of Cavendish and they began their lives in Cheney, Wash., while Leonard attended school. After living in Cavendish for a short time they moved to Lewiston. Virginia began her career in Lewiston at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and later worked for various medical doctors in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley prior to working at Long Machinery and retiring from Nez Perce County. While working for Nez Perce County, Virginia was involved in organizing the elections that took place in the county. She enjoyed this part of her job greatly and truly appreciated the election process.

Virginia enjoyed civic affairs and was actively engaged in the political process. Indeed, many political planning meetings were held at the home to assist those eager to pursue a political career, to plan campaigns, or simply ponder current issues. She was a proud Democrat and deeply concerned for the well-being of others and the future of our young people. In 2001, Virginia received statewide recognition when she received the Dottie Stimpson Award recognizing her demonstrated perseverance, persistence, patience, passion, commitment and leadership in work on behalf of the Democratic Women's Caucus and the Democratic Party.

Throughout her life, Virginia was full of laughter and loved jokes and pulling pranks on her family and numerous friends. She enjoyed camping, fishing, crafts, music and played piano for many family sing-alongs. She and Leonard were known for their hospitality and entertaining at 3101 to celebrate life events for family and friends and to simply share stories and good conversation.

One of the greatest enjoyments of Virginia's life was her relationships with family and friends. She was a big supporter of whatever your dreams or ambitions were and she taught love, laughter, strength and grace. She had very special relationships with her nieces, nephews and their families. They all survive her and are Steven Cuddy (wife Linda and children Meredith and Kevin), Devon Anderson (husband Rob and sons Coy Ibanez and Carston Anderson), Jackie Cuddy-Montgomery (children Amberle and Mathew) Carrie Bird (husband Jim and children Jessie and Krista), Brenda Ford (husband Archie and children Ryan, Anna, Myles), Brad Cuddy (wife Esther and children Mia, Emma, Chris, Sara, Maxine), Karen Sue Nichols, Jeff Nichols, Kevin Nichols (wife Terri and children Zachery and Rachel).

Virginia and Leonard celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2002 and shared many happy years together working side by side to raise their two daughters, Debbie Freeze (husband Ralph), and Barbara Fry (husband Warren Volkman). It should be noted that Virginia was especially fond of her sons-in-law. Virginia was instrumental in helping build two houses for the family and establishing the family garage door business. Leonard passed away in 2008.

Virginia cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved laughing, crafting, coloring, baking and just spending time with them. Cori Pearson (husband Brian) and Faron Fry (husband Frank Kimberling) were her sidekicks, learning about the serious, but mostly fun side of life, from their grandmother. They spent many hours together and had a very special relationship, mastering the art of practical joking, pranking and general mischief making. Her other grandchildren, arriving later in life, were all just as special to her and she loved every one of them, as they did her, Jason (wife Shelli) Freeze, Jon (wife Staci) Freeze, Melissa Lambert, Robin Freeze, Aleisha Autrey, Tiffany Carmouche and Adrienne Volkman.

Great-grandchildren brought a new joy of life with their arrival, Gracie, Phranqie, Faylee, Michelina, Jessica, Samantha, Kierstin, Austyn, Tristin, Sammy and Kacie, Jacklyn and David, Ashley and Elise and Jaxon. Virginia also made friends with many other younger people over the years and two held a very special place in her heart, Sam Cromer and Craige Heilman. She always looked forward to hearing their stories and sharing a joke.

A special thanks to the staff members at Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation, who became her extended family and shared jokes and helped her carry out her pranks and fun, and let her conduct her life in a fun and dignified atmosphere. We are forever grateful.

Our mother was a kind person who was always eager to help those in need. In her honor, please do a random act of kindness. We hope it will be paid forward in the way she lived her life.

Please join us for a celebration of her life from 2 to 5 p.m. May 16 at the Quality Inn in Clarkston.