Peggy B. Cole passed away on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, November 20, 2022, at Swedish Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Incidentally, this was the same Sunday, 32 years prior, that took her brother Rodney Gunn.
Peggy was born in Boulder, Colorado, on February 4, 1952, to Melvin Gunn, Charlotte (Gunn) McKay, and later became step daughter to Harold McKay, who all precede her in death. Peggy had one brother, Rodney, and four sisters: Lorri, Keekee, Tammy, and the late Jerry.
Peggy grew up in the mountains surrounding Nederland, loved animals and people, had many pets over the years and especially loved dogs. She rode her horse, Sunny, in parades and rodeos, was crowned Jamboree/Rodeo Queen, graduated from Nederland, and became an avid part of the Nederland community.
February 14, 1971, she married Leonard Lee Cole of Nederland, Colorado, owner and operator of Len’s Excavating. They celebrated 51 years together and were blessed with Justin, Jarad (his loving wife Erica), and Andrew.
Peggy wasn’t one to sit around (unless it was at the end of the day with a glass of wine), she kept records, organized the books, and provided a strong networking platform for her husband’s business. She took many jobs to help support the family, her most recent was at Columbine Family Health Care in Nederland. When she wasn’t working, she volunteered for everything related to helping her family and friends: from school events and fundraisers to being an active member of the Lions Club and Booster Club. She also invested her time and efforts into individual projects like helping people obtain teaching degrees and licenses.
Peggy loved traveling, whether that was in one of their classic cars going to a car show, or flying across the country to be with her sisters, sons, nieces, or nephews to visit, or going to events like the Final Four women’s college basketball tournaments.
She loved being a hostess and entertaining. She made people feel connected, loved, and part of the family. In fact, many people called her “Mom,” asked her for advice and invited her to special occasions.
Peggy had a passion for baking and decorating cakes. Many weddings, birthdays, and graduations were celebrated through the enjoyment of her tasteful works of art.
Peggy was self-educated, but also took college courses in business. She loved to read, and was well spoken. She hated curse words and always encouraged you to be a better person.
In true Peggy Cole fashion, her memorial service will be a celebration of life held in the summer of 2023, when family and friends can make it safely to her Nederland home.
If you’re looking to send something, she would say to support organizations that support your family. Donations can be sent, in her honor, to the Lions Club P.O. Box 1041 Nederland, Colorado 80466.
