Grace Veronica Ellis Cole (January 23, 1943 – July 18, 2015)
This online memorial was created in memory of Grace Cole, loving mother, grandmother, sister, friend, artist, and teacher who touched many people through her art and, more importantly, through her life.
A presence in the Chicago art community for over 30 years, Grace possessed the traits of the best artists. Curious, creative, and willing to resist being typecast with a single technique or subject matter, she found beauty and inspiration in all aspects of life.
Born January 23, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, Grace grew up in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Shortly after graduating from Academy of Our Lady High School in 1961, she married John F. Cole, and the couple moved to Glenwood, Illinois to raise their three daughters: Cheryl Chamain, Caroline Marie, and Michele Maria. When her children entered school, she began studying art privately, participating in art shows throughout the south suburbs.
As her children were entering college, she got divorced but stayed in area, teaching classes in drawing and painting at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights and privately in her studio. When she moved to Chicago, she continued to make a living through her art, selling paintings and drawings through galleries, doing commissioned portraits, and teaching students in both her own studio and in art venues around the city. A portfolio of her work is available online at www.gracecole.com
When not engaged in doing or teaching art, Grace spent time with family and friends, took classes, travelled, and did volunteer work around the city.
Grace is survived by her three daughters Cheryl (John) Fisher, Caroline Cole, and Michele (Gregory) Alms; her eight grandchildren Charles, Sophie, Nicholas, Madeline, Alexander, Olivia, Zachary, and Ryan; her father Peter S. Ellis; her brothers Peter (Martha), James, and John; her nieces, Katie and Sarah, and her nephews, Michael and Bryan; as well as many former students, friends, and colleagues in the art world. She was preceded in death by her mother, Katherine (née Hill) Ellis, and her grandparents Grover and Veronica Timpe.
A private ceremony will mark her passing, but a Celebration of Life in Chicago is being planned for the fall.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to an arts-related organization or to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (www.curealz.org), a non-profit in which 100% of its donations go toward research focusing on understanding and potentially curing Alzheimer’s disease.
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Cheryl, I see where you get your artistic talent! Your mother was a remarkable woman. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. A little someone is ringing a special bell for you all right now! Peace.
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. I know her suffering has ended and you have your memories of her to hold onto, I pray you find peace in that. My deepest sympathy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Reguardless of the past I will always wish you and your family nothing but peace and love. Im sending you my hugs and praying for better days.
Grandma did puzzles with me. She always inspired me to draw and to learn from my experiences. I love her very much. I hope God holds you in His arms. Love, Zachary.
I miss my Grandma very much. I love her always. Madeline.
Grandma was very nice to me. She called me "Little Guy". Thank you for pushed me on the swing, Grandma.
So sorry for your loss. My prayers for sure are with you and your family during this time
I was her first granddaughter. She made me laugh and I loved seeing her smile. We had special times together on our farm. She meant a lot to me and I will always remember her. Love, Sophie.
I am Grace's grandson. I really miss my grandmother and always will. I would always paint with her and I had fun. She taught me how to draw and paint and let me stay at her condo. I wish we could still do that. I will never forget Grace Veronica Cole.
Cheryl and family, Sincere sympathies for you, John, and the kids. Losing a parent is never easy. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love you Jill and Tim Chambliss and boys
Our prayers to Grace and the family. Grace was so talented but yet so very humble. She was one of the kindest people we have ever met and I can see through the family that her traits continue to live on.
Cheryl, John and your beautiful children. You are in our thoughts and prayers. It is hard to lose a mom and grandma. Cherish the memories that you made with her. She sounds like a remarkable woman who left a legacy of love for her family and the arts. Sending hugs and prayers to all who loved Grace.
Cheryl, I did not know your mom, but I am sure you were influenced by her so it stands to reason she must have been a wonderful lady just like you. I am sure she is very proud of all you and John have accomplished and of all her beautiful grandchildren. May she watch over them with doting smiles and ample giggles as she does.
Cheryl, John, Sophie, Maddie, Zach and Ryan, We are so sorry to you have lost your Mom and Grandma. We hope you many fond memories to keep in your hearts and many mementos to remind you of her when you miss her. You are in our thoughts, and we wish we could make you feel better during this difficult time. Hugs from Mr. Mrs. V
To Cheryl, Caroline and Michele, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful woman and she will live on in you and your children always. I enjoyed every moment I spent with your mom through the years. She made me feel a part of your family from first time we met. I love her very much. She will always hold a special place in my heart. ♡♡♡
Aunt Grace was always so nice to me. I liked when her and my cousins came over for Christmas. I love my Aunt Grace.
Wishing you love and peace.
What an incredible talent and inspiring woman.She will live on with the beautiful legacy she has left to her family and many others.God bless her and her family.
Working with Grace was such a pleasure. A true artist, refined spirit, and good person, she always made projects fun and rewarding. I feel blessed to have known her.
Cheryl,Caroline and Michele, Your mother was an inspiration to so many. I loved her for so many reasons but her kindness and generosity take center stage in my thoughts today. She played such an important role in my life when I started painting again. I will always miss her but at least I have my cherished memories of a woman who gave more than what was asked of her and believed and motivated her pupils to create far beyond what they thought they were capable of. She adored all of you and of course all the grandchildren...what a gift we were given to have known Grace. My prayers go out to you.
I met Grace in my Alzheimers support group at Northwestern. Grace was a kind and caring person and brought joy into our group. Grace was always smiling and we talked about art, went to lunch and looked forward to our time together. Grace loved her family with all of her heart. Her friendship was precious and I wish I could have spent more time with her. She will be missed by so many friends and family. God Bless your family and my prayers are with you. Sincerely, Pati Hoffman 1351 Rolling Oaks Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
I knew Grace from St.Geralds and Academy of Our Lady. Saw her at the 50th high school reunion. She was a very special person. My condolences and love to all of you.
Grace, you were an amazing artist and human being. My only regret is that in these last decades we didn't spend time together. But you were and are always in my heart. Love to your beautiful daughters....
Dear Michelle, Caroline and Cheryl, The memorial was a fitting tribute to a lady who was a light in the world. I felt so welcomed by you. I want to express again how much your mother meant to me personally and to my artistic life. I have embarked on a career as a teaching artist as a result of my time spent with Grace. Everything I do from this point on will be in memory of her and in service to the creativity of others. Much love and my deepest sympathies to all of you.
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Very well written! I will right away seize your rss as I can not find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me understand in order that I may subscribe.
I can’t find your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service.
The time continues to go fast but my memories of Grace live on as if yesterday. Just a very special person who makes me smile every time I think f her. I am so glad and proud of all her accomplishments and am so honored to have her as my sister. You will be missed dearly by myself and everyone who ever knew you. Rest in Peace big sister. Love always, Jim
The time continues to go fast but my memories of Grace live on as if yesterday. Just a very special person who makes me smile every time I think of her. I am so glad and proud of all her accomplishments and am so honored to have her as my sister. You will be missed dearly by myself and everyone who ever knew you. Rest in Peace big sister. Love always, Jim
please forgive how late this is , I studied with Grace , and I miss her terribly she gave her all to her students ,she was a wonderful teacher and friend, my Condolence to all her family , I feel honored to have known her, Thank you Grace ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,