Effie Lorraine Scruton COLE – Addison, VT.
Effie Lorraine Scruton COLE, age 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26th at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester surrounded by her family. Effie was born in 1937 on top of Killington Mountain, during a snowstorm on New Year’s Eve.
Effie attended Rutland High School (Class of 1955) where she met her first love, Edward C. Cole. The pair were married in 1956 and were stationed first in Colorado, then Arizona, and finally at the Strategic Air Command Base Minot, ND. After serving ten years in the Air Force, they returned to Vermont and settled in Vergennes where they raised two sons. Effie loved to cook and began working in the kitchens at both the Vergennes Elementary School and later at the High School. Effie became known as “The Lunch Lady” and insisted that everyone had a good meal. She became a second Mom to many and was famous for making you try a “no thank you helping” of whatever was being served that day.
Effie was an active member of the Grand Lodge of Vermont Order of Eastern Star, rising to become Worthy Matron. As Matron, she enjoyed traveling to other Lodges in Vermont where she was able to meet many more friends. She spoke fondly of her many years of working the back gate at the Addison Field Days.
About a year after Effie was widowed in 1990, she connected with longtime friend, Clifford “Bucky” Douglas. The two became inseparable and were involved in numerous community activities. From collecting anything and everything antique to driving one of their convertibles in area parades, they made many lasting friendships near and far.
As inseparable as they were in life, so too in their death. Clifford ‘Bucky’ Douglas also passed away on Sunday morning at the UVM Medical Center after a brief illness, just three hours ahead of Effie.
Effie leaves behind her two sons and their families; Cevin and John West-Cole of Hartville, Ohio and Charles and Karen Cole of Essex, Vermont, grandchildren CJ (Rachel) Cole, Andy (Nikki) Cole, Justin (Maddy) Cole, and Karwan, Karlaysia, and Joe’l West-Cole, and a very special great-granddaughter Isabella. She also leaves her step-children Michelle Douglas and Todd Chamberlain, Michael and Heather Douglas, and Matthew Douglas, and grandchildren Grace, Adrian, Madison, Mackenzie, Vincent, and Eliza.
Visiting hours for Effie and Bucky will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5th, at Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 6th, at St. Peter’s Church in Vergennes, followed by a reception at the American Legion in Vergennes.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Addison Volunteer Fire Department or the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com
6 Responses
Thinking of all of you. Effie was the best, loved our chats in the mornings in the lunchroom at VES. Many fond memories.
To Cevin, Charlie and family,
We are very sad to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a wonderful and kind woman. We have fond memories of her. It was a joy to be with her at family get togethers. She would talk of cooking, gardening and family. We will miss her laugh and witty conversation.
Love, Debbie and Larry
So sorry to hear of Effie’s passing. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family as well as the family of Bucky.
Charlie and the Cole family, my deepest condolences on the passing of your dear mother. May she Rest in Eternal Peace with your father and be blessed by God. Blessings to you and your family.
Cevin, Charles and families-
I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you. I too, am an orphan and it is difficult but with time and all the memories will help get you through. If I was in Vermont, I would
be there in person to give you my condolences along with a hug. Stay strong, God Bless and pleasant memories of your Mom. RIP Effie🙏🏼
Dear Charlie and family, sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, sounds like she lived a good life and wanted to be with Bucky! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With Love,
Randy & Kitty