Dolores Fontaine Cole, 79, passed away unexpectedly at St Luke's Hospital surrounded by her loving husband, Wayne Cole, and three daughters, Denise Earl, Diane King and Debra Moniz.

With her infectious laugh and sense of humor, Cole had a unique ability to connect with people across all ages and walks of life; her presence always made those around her feel welcomed and cherished. Her greatest love was her family. She created and inspired traditions that will be carried on throughout the generations.

Cole brought elegance into this world, cultivating lush gardens, and creating gourmet meals for family and friends. She was an avid traveler, having visited many European countries with her husband. A performing arts enthusiast, she regularly attended concerts at the New Bedford Symphony, and Boston's Handel and Haydn Society. As a member of the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, the Dartmouth YMCA and local bridge groups, she was actively involved in the local community.

Her second home was in Bethel Maine where her family has owned a vacation house for the last 29 years. She enjoyed hiking and winter sports in the Maine & New Hampshire regions and, having a fondness for land conservation, was a member of the Mahoosuc Land Trust in Bethel, Maine.

Born in Attleboro, Cole was the youngest child of the late Elphege and Mary Rose (Arsenault) Fontaine. Her ties to the area were strong where she had a number of close relatives with whom she frequently communicated and visited at family reunions. She graduated in the Attleboro High School Class of 1955 and was an active participant and organizer of alumni events.

In addition to her husband and daughters she is survived by four grandchildren: Hannah, Natalie, Rosellen, and Helen; a sister, Eleanor Kennedy; a brother, Eugene Fontaine, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Her private funeral arrangements are in the care of the Waring-Sullivan Home at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Road in Dartmouth. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to DNRT, 318 Chase Rd, PO Box 70567, Dartmouth, MA 02747 or info@dnrt.org.

For tributes visit www.waring-sullivan.com.