Wendy Kaye Cole (60) died August 28, 2026, at Corewell Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids, Ml, from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She was born October 14 1965, in Tacoma, Washington, to Kaye Diann (Haase) Cole and Edmund Cyril Cole, who both predeceased her.
Wendy loved music and the performing arts. Her childhood home was in Westland, Mi, where she attended Livonia Public Schools, graduating in 1983 from Franklin High School. She played flute in the marching band, sang in choir, and was active in the theatre program.
She became a beautician, earning her way through Eastern Michigan University, where, as a fourth-generation “legacy” student, she graduated with a B.S. and Secondary Teacher Certification.
In 1998 Wendy moved to Holland, MI, joining IXI. Testing as an office manager, and proudly serving the Padnos business for more than 20 years.
She joined First Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir, and she acted and sang in theatre productions at True JEM Productions and Holland Community Theatre. In 2023 AM. cut short her career and community participation: she left her last employer, Meijer, in early 2023.
Wendy leaves her son, Jared, her brother, John Cole (Raven), her Aunt Gail and Uncle Alan Hering, close cousins David Hering (Jo-Ellen) and Elaine Hering, Wendy’s best friend Tomma Thurlby, and more cousins, nieces and nephews.
Wendy’s family gratefully acknowledges the caring professionals who participated in her treatment at Holland Hospital, Zeeland Hospital, Butterworth Hospital, Lemmem-Holton Cancer Center, The Cancer and Hematology Center in Holland, and START Midwest. These medical protessionals are indeed “angels unaware.”
Rev. Cathy Caldwell-Hoop Will conduct Wendy’s memorial service at the Dykstra Funeral Homes-Northwood Chapel on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 2:00, with visitation one hour before the service. Interment will be at Lakewood Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, 100 Michigan Street NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or to First Presbyterian Church, 659 State Street, Holland, MI
49423.
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