Marion M.K. Cole

Death is the Golden Key to the Palace of Eternity. MARION MAUD KATHLEEN COLE is the sixth child of ten born to Mark and Ismay Swan. Born in Somerset, Bermuda the family was religious. They moved from Somerset to Mount Hill then to St. Johns Road Pembroke Parish. At the age of twelve Marion became a member of Grace United Methodist Church, she also sang on the St. Albans Junior Choir. Marion received her early education at the Central School and attended The Berkely Institute for high school. As an adult Marion attended evening classes at the Merle Swan School of Business. Marion loved fashion and modeled for the Maria Benn clothing store and appeared in many advertisements. She was the third runner up for the Miss Bermuda Pageant. While residing in Bermuda Marion was employed in the hospitality industry. Marion met Otha Cole in 1962, they fell in love and married on January 28, 1967 and out of that union one son was born Linwood Cole. The family enjoyed attending church and with Linwood they traveled to Bermuda, New Jersey, Canada, Florida, Las Vegas, and the Caribbean islands to spend time with family and friends. Marion and Otha opened their home to relatives, friends, and students who came to further their education. Those who came to Baltimore for medical treatment at Johns Hopkins were given assistance as needed. Her husband Otha and son Linwood provided transportation. In 1964 Marion’s mother passed; Marion left Bermuda in 1965. After obtaining her permanent residence status in 1966 with the help of her sister Greta and brother-in-law, Raymond Edness, Marion resided in Baltimore with Ruth and Leroy Tibbs. Employed at the Hochschild Kohn Department store, Marion received training in sales, sales management, and became an assistant buyer. After twelve years of service Marion resigned and found new employment with the SAGA program. She served as Activities Coordinator and Center Director. The center exists today as the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Sandtown Senior Center. After twenty two years of service she retired. Through her life Marion encouraged youth to stay in school and to complete their education. A program sponsored by the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland was started at the Center, the program was very successful. With the assistance of Myrna Daniels who was the community leader, the youth learned how to sew, make ceramics, crochet, and have lunch with the seniors. Marion received many Certificates of Honor for her work from the Governor’s office of Maryland, House of Delegates, the Senate, foster grandparent program, the Commission on Aging, the Eating Together Program, and the Mayor’s office of Baltimore City. Hewlett Packard donated computers to the Center, had special Christmas parties and gave gifts. Marion served one year as President of the Senior Center’s Directors Council. Marion leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Otha L. Cole; son, Linwood C. Cole; brothers, Rev. Dr. Charles A. Swan, Alexander Swan (Vinola), Dawson Swan, Gerald Simons (Shelia); sisters, Greta Edness (Raymond), Esther Bean (Dr. Gerad Bean), Valerie Dill (Carlton); in-laws, Kay Simms, Stella and John Brewer, David and Mary Cole; godchildren from Bermuda, Camelle Scott, Hoyt Zuill, Shirley Daniels and Henry Clemings. Marion was preceded in death by her grandparents James and Alice Wade, her parents Mark and Ismay Swan, brother Dr. Beresford Swan, sister Joan Dickerson, and brother-in-law Larry Cole. As we look back on a life well spent in many ways, there are those to whom the vision will be more vivid than can be imagined. Devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, godmother, great-nieces, nephews, many she may have said hello, how are you? We are reminded of Love unselfishness. We thank God for the way you touched our lives, rest thy good and faithful servant.

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Marion M.K. Cole

March 5, 1940 - September 5, 2023