DEXTER - Anna Marie (Johnn) Cole, 99, died April 20, 2021. She was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on August 29th, 1921 to immigrant parents Reinhold and Marya (Klutch) Johnn. Anna's early life was touched by sadness due to the death of her mother during childbirth with her brother (name unknown) and her father's untimely death soon after. Anna was taken in and raised by her loving sister Celia Samardak and her husband John in Central Falls, Rhode Island. Celia and John showered Anna with love, taught her the value of hard work, and making a home; cooking, gardening, sewing, and antiquing. Most importantly Celia and John supported Anna in her quest to become a Catholic at the age of 15. Anna was proud of her heritage, but even more so to be a first generation American. Anna knew what America offered her family in terms of optimism and freedom and was eternally grateful for the opportunity that her parents provided for her in becoming US citizens. Anna, Celia, and John later moved to Newton, New Jersey and she graduated from Newton High School. By chance Anna met the love of her life, husband Francis J. Cole while he was summering at Paulinskill Lake in Newton with his family. Anna and Francis were married on August 2nd, 1941 at Saint Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Newton, New Jersey and soon after moved to Jersey City, New Jersey to begin their life and raise their four children; Francis "Frank", John "Jack", Elizabeth "Betty", and Robert "Bob." Anna lost her beloved husband in 1968 and soldiered on. Anna raised her children, without the assistance of charity, by working outside of the home in the custody department at Morgan Guaranty Trust Company in Manhattan. Anna took great pride in her work and her ability to support her family on her own. Throughout the years Anna was committed to making her house a home - whether it was in Staten Island, New York, Bayonne, New Jersey, or Dexter, Maine - a tradition that she maintained throughout her life. Anna was proud of her work accomplishments and her ability to save enough to buy her own home in Staten Island, New York. She also took great joy in traveling throughout the United States and her many trips to Europe. Anna was an excellent cook, her meatloaf, pot roast, and cranberry bread were frequently requested. She passed this skill on to many, most notably her daughter Elizabeth. Anna ruled her home with an iron fist but a loving heart and followed the motto "When a task is once begun, never leave it till it's done. Be the labor great or small. Do it well or not at all." Although Anna loved her work, home is what meant the most to her. Cooking, cleaning, decorating, gardening, and hosting family get togethers brought Anna the most joy. Her greatest pride of all was that in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Anna is survived by her sons Francis Cole of Sangerville, and John Cole (Shirley) of Naples, Florida. Anna also leaves behind Carol Cole, Kevin Krista, Mary Cole, and Maureen McCarthy. Anna is also survived by her nieces Eileen Cole, Carol Walsh, and Joan (Joe) Peters. Anna was proud of her many grandchildren; Cathleen (Doug) Kruse and children William and Nick, John (Christine) Cole and children Mandy, Tory, and Sarah, Francis (Kristin) Cole and children Faith and Frannie, Brian Cole and Lewis Jones, Sean (Amanda) Cole and son Patrick, Christine (Charles ) Chambers and children Evan, Emmie, and Ellie, Marybeth (Dan) DiDonna and daughter Caroline, Erin Cole and Justin Casipit, Ellen "Elle" Cole and Brian Gallagher, and Robert (Kelsey) Cole. Anna was predeceased by her loving husband Francis Cole, brother Franio "Frank" Johnn, sister Celia Samardak, brother (name unknown), son Robert Cole, and daughter Elizabeth Cole Krista. In recent years Anna often reflected on the early death of her parents and husband and liked to think that she was blessed with longevity to make up for their short time on earth. While Anna hoped to reach her 100th birthday, she was pleased to make it to her 100th year. Anna's lifelong dream was to meet her unknown brother. Upon the death of her mother he was fostered to another family due to the impact of the Great Depression. Anna's family is comforted knowing that her dream is certainly being realized at the publishing of this obituary. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 A.M. Friday, April 30th, at Our Lady of The Snows Parish, St. Anne's Church, Dexter, with the Rev. Father Rob Lupo officiating. Burial wil be in the Holy Cross Cemetery. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Dexter. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you take the time to do a good deed for an elderly family member, neighbor, or stranger. Hold the door, carry their groceries, listen to what they have to say - give them your time.