Lena Beatrice (NEE: Nichols) Cole, 84, of Racine passed away Wednesday September 20, 2017 in Ascension All Saints Hospice. She was born September 22, 1932 in Hamilton, Alabama, the daughter of Lester and Belle (NEE: Minsey) Nichols. Lena married LaVerne Cole on December 31, 1966 in Waukegan IL. He passed away November 7, 2014. A machinist for most of her life, Lena loved to read, sew, do crossword puzzles and draw. She enjoyed gardening, taking pictures of everything and anything. But most of all she loved to cook for everyone.  Lena is survived by her three children, Brenda Williams, Patricia (Brian) Edwards, Michael (Marsha) Warren, eight grandchildren, Tammy (Billy) Tomon, Wayne Vines, Carolyn (Michael) Ellinger, John Fiegel, Elena Cole, Tiffany Warren, Matthew (Cathleen) Warren, Vernon (Belinda) Cole, fourteen great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, two sisters Norma Reagan and Jackie Horton.  She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband LaVerne, three daughters Carol, Dorothy and Suzette, along with sisters and brothers.   The family extends a special thank you to William Schaeffer and all of her neighbors, family and friends. A memorial gathering will be held Thursday, September 28, 2017 in Strouf Funeral Home from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Burial will take place Friday, September 29, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery.