Annette Cole

Harriet Annette Cole, 84, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Born October 25, 1941, in Albion, Indiana, Annette was the daughter of Keith and Hazel Slessman. 
 
Annette met her husband and life partner, Bill W. Cole, at Albion-Jefferson High School, where both were active in student council. Bill played basketball, and Annette was a member of the pep squad. They married after her sophomore year of college and moved to East Lansing, Michigan in 1961 to continue their studies and begin their life together.
 
Having studied Education and English at Wittenberg University and Michigan State University, she started her career teaching English Literature at a highschool in Niles, Michigan. She later devoted herself to raising their four children in Naperville, Illinois. She was a dedicated supporter of her children's academic and athletic pursuits, editing term papers and delivering countless carloads of soccer, basketball and football aficionados.
 
Annette never stopped learning and had an insatiable appetite for understanding the story of people, past and present.  She was as interested in individuals she met day to day as those making history.  While her children were in school, she studied poetry with Maya Angelou and took art classes at the Art Institute of Chicago. She traveled to Italy, England, France and Japan where history came vividly to life.  She was an active participant in our democracy and believed in the power of education to keep it.
 
Known by family and friends to be thoughtful and warm, her gift for writing made every card and note feel special. She took great joy in following the lives of her children and grandchildren, cheering them on from near and far in all their pursuits. 
 
Annette adored their Glen Arbor, Michigan home where she created lasting family memories. She delighted in the area's natural beauty and marveled at every glimpse of the changing fall leaves and the striking, Caribbean-like hues of the water near Sleeping Bear Dunes. 
 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill W. Cole (2016), and her sister, Marilyn Slessman (1951). She is survived by her children: Amy (Brad) Kampschroeder, Kennedy (Bronwyn) Cole, Adam (Christine) Cole, and Andrew (Delia) Cole; her cherished grandchildren: Greta and Tori Kampschroeder; Ava Simone and Audrey Cole; Tyson and Kendall Cole; and Noah and Olivia Cole; her sister, Sue Ransom; and her brother, Douglas Slessman. 
 
A memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Albion, Indiana, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with time and details to be announced soon.
 
Annette’s life was a testament to finding joy and wonder in both meaningful and simple moments. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, please direct contributions in Annette's memory to the Leelanau Conservancy (envelopes will be available at the memorial services, or visit www.leelanauconservancy.org/donate)