Barbara (Bonnell) Cole

HAVERHILL – Mrs. Barbara (Bonnell) Cole, 95, of Haverhill, devoted wife of the late Leland Donald Cole, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Benchmark Senior Living at Haverhill Crossing with her loving family by her side.

Born in Winchester, Barbara was the daughter of the late Ralph Holbrook and Mildred (Sullivan) Bonnell. Raised and educated in Winchester, she was a graduate of Winchester High School where she made lifelong friends and continued her education at Curry College receiving her Bachelor’s degree.

Barbara dedicated her life to providing a warm, loving and supportive home for her husband and five sons. She later relished in becoming a grandmother and watching the many successes of her family. In addition to loving her family, Barbara devoted every spare minute to dogs – raising puppies, teaching obedience, judging in shows, and breeding dozens of AKC champions from her “Coletowne Kennels” business in Boxford. From the age of eight, until just days ago, she pursued her passion for dogs, and felt blessed to share it with so many families over the decades. Barbara was truly happiest when surrounded by puppies, knitting, camping, or being with her five boys. She will be deeply missed by her family and dear friends.

Barbara is survived by her sons, Leland Scott Cole of Bradford, MA and  Samuel Randall Cole and his wife Lisa, of Aiken, SC, and Bruce Holbrook Cole of Haverhill, MA, and Howard Tucker Cole and his wife, Gail of Raymond, ME,  and Christian Westcott Cole and his wife, Marie of Strafford, NH; and her grandchildren, Brianna Ashley Cole, Samuel Tyler Cole, Justin Holbrook Cole, Nathaniel Dodge Cole, Christie Marie Cole, Amanda Michelle Cole, Jenna Cole, Chad Wescott Cole and Cameron Jesse Cole; her sister, Beverly Schroeder of Richland, WA and brother, Bruce Bonnell of Winchester MA and many nieces and nephews. Barbara was the sister of the late Shirley Doe and Ralph Bonnell.

ARRANGEMENTS: At the request of the family, all services are private. A Celebration of Barbara’s Life will be held at a later date. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, 8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27617. To share a memory or offer a condolence, place visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

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