Milda Oria Cole (nee Sorge)
February 15, 1921 ~ November 28, 2016
Milda Oria Cole was born February 15, 1921 in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan and passed away peacefully on November 28, 2016 in Nanaimo, B.C. at the age of 95.
Milda, along with her parents and siblings, arrived in the Creston Valley in the early 1930’s, having traveled from Saskatchewan by Bennet Buggy and pony. Mom left school early in order to work and help the family. She always regretted not finishing high school so she worked hard to get her GED in her later years. In the late 40’s Mom and Dad had a coffee/candy shop in Canyon prior to moving into town. In 1957 Mom started working at Webster’s (later McDowells) and retired after nearly 25 enjoyable years to care for Dad after his first heart attack. Mom was active in her church (Glad Tidings) as Youth Group secretary, Sunday school teacher and the Women’s Missions group. She was a long-time member of Erickson Ladies' Hospital Auxiliary. Mom had kept in touch with many of her friends (some from her teen years) and many have been faithful in calling, sending cards/letters or visiting when in the area. For her 90th birthday Mom received over 120 cards from people who wanted to honour her. Many will still remember Mom’s “open” door policy – once she met you, you became a friend and the coffee pot was always on. I am thankful to all of these people.
Milda is predeceased by her parents: Fred Sorge (1934), Zenna (Covlin) Sorge (1975), her husband of 47 years Ben (1987), daughter-in-law Sharon (1999), granddaughter Marnie (2002), her son Kenn (2006) and former foster Bonnie (2007).
Milda is survived by her brother Arvin (Irma) Sorge (Pennsylvania); sister Alva MacFarlane (Ontario); sister-in-law Myrtle Moorhead (Saskatchewan); daughter Marilyn (Mel) Chesworth, Nanaimo and former foster daughter Jessie Clinton (Cranbrook). Also survived by five grandchildren: Kevin (Lita) Cole, Lonni (Jeff) Lange, Neil (Helen) Chesworth, Kameron Cole, Beverly Chesworth and five great-grandchildren: Calista, Eamon, Erin, Marc, Siobhan. To Jessie’s boys, Troy and Kenneth, mom was grandma Milda. Mom is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews across Canada and the USA. Mom was well-loved by all.
Mom will be interred with Dad in the summer of 2017. Mom, you are missed so much already.
Memorial contributions can be made to Generations Church Building Fund, 1300 Princess Royal Avenue, Nanaimo, BC V9S 5J5 to aid in the installation of a wheelchair lift that will benefit her granddaughter.