Teresa “Teri” Janeen Cole, 72, of Bainbridge Island, beloved sister, adoring aunt, and dear friend to many, ended a brave battle with cancer on October 8, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born on April 19, 1952, in Portland, Oregon, Teri lived a life in full bloom. She was a beam of love and light to everyone who knew her. Her warm smile, kind heart and spirited personality touched so many people in and around the Bainbridge Island community where she lived for 65 years.
She always made time for friends with words of hope and encouragement, rarely missed a social event, and loved entertaining and welcoming people into her home. Teri’s lifework was committed to creating beauty in the gift stores she owned, the elaborate gardens she designed (Teri Cole Gardens), and the houses she adorned. Her immense love of flowers and the beautiful outdoors found a delightful way into every room of her home with a branch here, a painted mural there, bouquets of her garden flowers, and a special birdcage specially placed upon a table throughout. Teri’s creative energy and talent knew no bounds. She was featured in WestSound Magazine many times during the last several years, and each spring she spent many hours devoted to prepping gardens for the annual Bainbridge in Bloom summer garden tour.
Teri had a profound passion for rescuing animals in Kitsap County and had a significant impact during her lifetime, rescuing over 2,000 dogs. This love for animals bubbled over to a petting farm for all ages that she built on the property near her home in Rolling Bay featuring goats, sheep, chicken, ducks, geese, and a turkey pair aptly named, “Husband” and “Wife.”
Teri considered Santa Cruz, California where she lived in the mid-80’s to be her second home. She enjoyed the weather and traveling there to visit her sister when time allowed.
Teri is survived by her siblings, Kim (Cole) Haniger, and Scott Cole, and her cherished nieces and nephew, Bailey, McKenna, and Hunter Haniger. She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Charles and Carole Cole, long-time and devoted residents of Bainbridge Island. She considered her local community of dear friends to be her family as well.
Though she left us far too soon, her legacy of love, generosity of heart, and dedication to her family, friends and community will continue to inspire all who knew her. A Celebration Of Life will be held at The Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church on Bainbridge Island. (The date is forthcoming.)
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Humane Society of Kitsap County, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, or Island Volunteer Caregivers of Bainbridge Island.
