Obituary of Marian Nelson-Cole, 87

Marian S. Nelson-Cole, 87, of State College, passed away on April 21, 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida after a brief illness.

Marian was born in McKeesport, to John G. and Mary Saraka on August 10, 1928. After graduating from McKeesport High School, she worked at the First National Bank in McKeesport. In 1954, Marian moved to State College with her first husband and worked at Penn State University in Continuing Education. A few years later when she was a single mother with two young daughters and limited resources, Marian returned to full-time work. She worked for several years at Federal Savings and then accepted employment at HRB-Singer (now Raytheon), retiring in1991 from her position as Payroll Supervisor after twenty-seven years of employment. A member of the National Association of Accountants, Marian was proud of her professional accomplishments which included receiving college equivalency status (EBS) from HRB-Singer. She was also proud of her Slovak heritage and served for many years on the board of the United Lutheran Society, a Slovak fraternal organization, continuing involvement with the organization after its merger with GBU.

Marian found great happiness in her marriage to Jim Cole. Sharing a love of travel and socializing, they especially enjoyed spending winters in Fort Lauderdale, a custom that Marian continued after Jim's death.

Marian's interests included shopping, especially for clothes, and reading. Known for her meticulous record-keeping and beautiful hand-writing, Marian liked to celebrate important occasions of extended family and friends by sending notes and cards and by attending social and family gatherings.

Marian is survived by her daughters, Sharon Jodon and husband, Edgar, of Port Matilda and Susan Zong and husband, John, of State College; and her special grandson, Evan Jodon. She is also survived by her sister, Ann Burke and husband, Dick; brother, John Saraka and wife, Patty; step-children: Karen Cole-Sung and husband Rick, Dennis Cole, Susan Parzanese and husband Gary, Carol Boivin and husband Rich and Chrissy Snyder and husband John; and numerous nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James J. Cole; her parents; brother, Edward Saraka and his wife, Marion; and step-daughter, Kathy Morgan.

The funeral service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner St., State College, on Friday, April 29, 2016 at 11:00 am with Rev. P. Stevens Lynn, of Grace Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Centre County Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College, on Thursday, April 28, 2016 from 4:00-7:00 pm.

Marian was a life-long Lutheran and a member of Grace Lutheran for almost sixty years. In her memory, donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Fort Lauderdale Medical Center for their care of Marian during her illness.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.