AKWESASNE – Beatrice A. Cole, affectionately known to her family and friends as Muga, age 88, of State Route 37, passed away Wednesday evening, June 12, 2019 at Massena Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness, surrounded by her loving family.

Beatrice was born June 5, 1931 in Akwesasne, the daughter of the late Thomas and Agnes (Jock) Lazore. She first attended St. Regis Mohawk Schools before graduating from Bombay High School. She later took courses in library science at Potsdam State University. On January 15, 1951, she married Barney Cole at St. Regis Catholic Church. He predeceased her on March 28, 2013.

In 1971, Beatrice was hired as one of the first three librarians for the Akwesasne Library and Cultural Center as a librarian. As a librarian, she had a great love for reading all types of literature. She continued working there until her retirement in 1993. Beatrice was a devout Catholic and lifelong communicant of St. Regis Catholic Church teaching catechism to many students throughout the years. She was a member of the American Legion Post #1479 Auxiliary, the St. Regis Mohawk Senior Citizens, and the Akwesasne Death Benefits Group. Throughout her life she enjoyed various activities including bingo, bowling, golfing, visiting the casino, and radio bingo. She loved to travel and over the years visited many places, including Italy to see the Pope. She cherished the friendships she made throughout her life and especially enjoyed her visits with Sister Mary Christine Taylor. She will be sadly missed by her dearest friend and companion, her cat Penny.

Beatrice is survived by her children, Karen White of Hogansburg; Glory Cole and her husband, Peter Dibble of Massena; Cynthia Cole and her companion, Dennis Sarro of Hogansburg; Judy Laffin and her companion, Carson Swamp of Hogansburg; Barney Cole Jr. and his wife, Donna of Boston, MA; and Robert "Bobby" Cole and his companion, Desiree Finster of Syracuse; her chosen son Jordan Cole and chosen daughter Danielle Cole, both of Hogansburg; 7 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchild; her sister, Edna "Bunty" Cook of Glendora, CA; many cousins, nieces and nephews including a chosen nephew, Eli Tarbell of Hogansburg; her godchildren, Alan Cree and Francis "Mimi" Cole; and her dear friend, Julia David.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her brothers, Arthur, Harold "Skeezix", Ashley, and Glenn Lazore; her sister, Juanita Ashton, and her godson, Wally Jock.

Friends called on Monday and Tuesday at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Center. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Jerome Pastores celebrating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Akwesasne Cultural Center.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where memories and condolences may be shared online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.