Evelyn Jane Cole

Evelyn Jane Cole, age 84, of Crown Point, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on July 17, 1941, in Lansing, Illinois, to Hugh and Eileen Richardson. Evelyn graduated from TF South High School in 1959 and remained close to several classmates throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond Cole; her granddaughter, Rebecca Lynn Bridegroom; her brother, Alan Richardson; and her beloved nephew, Brook Smith. Evelyn is survived by her children: Lee Donahoe of Hobart, IN; Sue (Doug) Bridegroom of Valparaiso, IN; and Stacey Reid of Winter Haven, FL; and her stepsons Gregory (Sandy) Dillman of Houston, TX; and Jonathon Cole of Winter Park, FL. She was the proud grandmother of Nick (Amber) and Dan Bridegroom, Tyler (Kayla) Donahoe, McKenna and Marley Reid, and Vivian Cole, and the adoring great-grandmother of six. She is also survived by her beloved sisters Virginia Janowski, Sandy (Jim) Bridges, and Karen (Rick) Smith, along with many nieces and nephews she loved dearly. Evelyn’s servant heart began when she quickly became a high accoladed volunteer as the Coordinator for the Family Services Program with the Dept of the Air Force in the 60’s. Over the years, she devoted herself to volunteer work with S.A.D.D., M.A.D.D., and the DARE program (which she helped bring to Hobart, IN), as well as Hobart Presbyterian Church as a Deacon, was a devout timer at her daughter’s gymnastics meets, and Methodist Hospital, where she volunteered faithfully over 15 years until the COVID pandemic. After losing her husband Ray, her volunteer work became her purpose and passion—she treated it like a full-time calling and built lifelong friendships through her time there. She was also very honored to be nominated as the August 2024 calendar cover girl for the Pink Ribbon Society for Breast Cancer Survivors. Her professional journey reflected love of people. She began as a bookkeeper for 7UP, then worked for upscale boutiques including Carija’s in Gary and Denise’s in Valparaiso, where her eye for fashion flourished. Always elegant and polished, Evelyn was known for her impeccable style and humor—she had more clothes than her daughters combined, yet somehow “never had anything to wear.” In the late 1980s, she began her most beloved career as a teacher’s aide at Hobart Middle School, where she worked for ten years. Her warmth and kindness touched the lives of countless students—many of whom continued to call her “Grandma” long after they’d grown. In 1988, Evelyn was honored as Hobart’s Woman of the Year, recognizing her selfless service and commitment to her community. Proud of her Scottish heritage, Evelyn began Scottish dancing as a young girl with her older sister, Virginia and dreamed of visiting Scotland one day. She and Ray loved traveling across the country together, photographing their adventures and collecting keepsakes from every stop—though St. Augustine, Florida, always held a special place in her heart. Evelyn always loved crafting of some sort, roller skating in the 80’s in her signature sparkly red skates, sharing fun times in her women’s bowling league with her sister Sandy and always driving with the top down in her BMW. More than anything, family was the center of Evelyn’s life. She poured her time, love, and energy into creating a home that was welcoming to everyone. She believed family should always gather at the table, and her nightly dinners were a staple not an option. Holidays were sacred to her—Easter egg hunts in the house, Thanksgiving dinners filled with laughter, and Christmas mornings bursting with tradition and joy. Her home was the place where everyone wanted to be—where stories were told, memories were made, and love was always abundant. Evelyn’s greatest pride was watching her family grow. Her children were her world, and her grandchildren quickly became her greatest joy. She celebrated every milestone, big or small, with genuine excitement and unending love. Whether cheering from the stands, offering wise advice, or sharing a laugh over the phone, she made each person feel seen, supported, and deeply loved. Though our family is heartbroken by her passing, we find peace knowing she is reunited with those who went before her—free from pain, dancing in heaven, and watching over all of us with pride and love. A visitation to celebrate Evelyn’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 6:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, Indiana. Rev. Thomas Clark officiating. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories, laughter, and love in honor of a truly remarkable woman whose light and spirit will never fade. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Belvedere Senior Living in Merrillville, Indiana, and to Dr. Kurra and her staff for their exceptional care, kindness, and support. Their dedication and compassion brought great comfort to Evelyn and her family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Evelyn’s name to the American Cancer Society.

Evelyn Jane Cole

July 17, 1941 - October 31, 2025