Laura Isabel Cole

Laura Isabel “Izzy” Bailey Cole, (known more recently as simply “Nana”), passed away December 28, 2016 after more than a decade of fighting cancer.

A visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 6, from 6-8pm, at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052. Burial will take place in Blue Springs Cemetery on Jan. 7, at 2:00 pm.

Isabel was born the daughter of Effie May Bailey and the niece of Eva Lee Stephens on April 10, 1935. She was a 1953 graduate of William Chrisman High School (Independence) and a long-time resident of Raytown, MO. Although she was preceded in death by her son Douglas “Doug” Cole in December 2015 she still leaves behind a legacy of survivors: her daughter Pamela Cole of Tucker, GA; her grand-daughters Amber Cole (Al Bisig) and Lauren Cole both of Raytown, MO; and the girls’ mother Mary Firuccia and grand-mother Sheryl Firuccia also both of Raytown, MO. Her survivors also include numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Isabel lived life to its fullest every day. Although some days were easier than others, she met each challenge with a strength and resolve that still amazes us all to this day. When she set her mind to it, she would not be denied. Whatever she needed to do, she did it, knocking away one obstacle after the other in her path to reach her goal. She was quick with her smile and her tender loving way but she was also as equally quick with her “directness” when it was needed.

Early in her professional career Isabel worked for Sears and Roebuck but left there to become a long-time employee of University Bank, which later became The Merchants Bank, in Brookside. While working for The Merchants Bank she coordinated, hosted and lead their senior customers’ group called Fortune 55. Although exhausting at times, she loved the people she met through it and the places and activities they were able to visit and participate in. The last years of her professional life was spent working at various 7-11 stores throughout the metropolitan area. She finished her career at the 63rd and Oak store.

Isabel was an avid sports fan. She loved her Chiefs and their “sweet cheeks” and her Royals. She supported both through thick and thin, never being a fair-weather fan. Her loyalty was rewarded with one Super Bowl and two World Series championships. Of course her love and support of sports was not just limited to the professionals. For the son and daughter she loved so much, she was their number one fan (and if necessary critic) for every sport they played. Neither Doug nor Pam could remember a time when she was not found or heard from behind a backstop, in the bleachers, poolside or at a bowling alley voicing her encouragement and offering her “coaching” instructions.

Isabel left this world for Heaven, trusting us all to keep following her example to be kind, considerate, love each other unconditionally, and to live our lives to their fullest.

In Isabel's honor, kindly make contributions to theresearchfoundationkc.org. Anyone making a donation can add "Laura I Cole" for the person being honored or remembered and the foundation will direct the funds to patients at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center located at Research Medical Center, KCMO (2316 E Meyer Blvd). Contributions go to patients for gas, other transportation costs, food, bills, supplies, etc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com.