Charlene (Synett) Cole

Charlene (Synett) Cole, well known in her Lizzie Street neighborhood and community for her kind heart and her reputation as a good neighbor, died unexpectedly on July 6, 2019, at War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. She was born Aug. 19, 1956, in Sault Ste. Marie. She and her husband John made a life for themselves for 44 years in Sault Ste. Marie and were well known in the community for their generosity and how they cared for family, friends, and people in need. Charlene was non-judgmental and sweet, a gentle soul. No one she ever met was a stranger. If she and John were driving and saw a homeless person, she would make John stop the truck so she could give that person $20. When they drove by Hospice House, she would have him stop so she could say a prayer for those inside. She knew many tragedies in her life, losing her little sister when both were toddlers. She suffered from physical illness and battled depression her entire life, but most would never have known it. Her children knew it and were inspired by her ability to persevere in spite of her handicaps and life challenges. She became the person she was because of her upbringing by her family, led by Duane Synett, who she and her sister Paulette said was the best dad you ever wanted to have. He taught them well about the importance of family and volunteering in your community. No one who knew Duane would dispute that he had a heart of gold - and that was Charlene, too. There was always another place at the dinner table, and more room to take in a person in need. She would frequently go to the hospital to pick up her aunt in long term care and take her to Music in the Park at the Soo Locks, along with anyone else who wanted to go. Charlene and John volunteered for Big Brothers/Big Sisters and for the annual Connor Gorsuch Kids Fishing Day. John said Charlene was his best friend and Charlene said John was the love of her life. Would that we all be so lucky. Charlene is survived by her children; Claudette (Bill) Crook and John (Mandy) Synett, as well as Lance Nedeau, Tammy Jo (Mike) Nedeau and Karen (Troy) Nedeau; grandchildren, Zachary (Christy), Christian, Carter, Ron, Natalie, Warren, Austin, Faith, Kyle, Katie and Katrina; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Paulette (Patrick) Lightfoot and Rita Goetz, as well as many nieces and nephews, including Denise (David) Andrews, Chantal Goetz, Justin DuFresne, and Travis Trosclair. She was preceded in death by her father, Duane, her sister, Claudette, and her grandson, Cole. A celebration of life for Charlene will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 12, at the E-Free Church, 1901 John St. Her family will welcome visitors for one hour before the time of services. A luncheon will follow the ceremony. Donations may be made to the Robert and Helen Ball Hospice House, 308 W. 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. 49783; 906-259-0222.

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Charlene (Synett) Cole

August 19, 1956 - July 6, 2019