Kirsten Cole

Kirsten Marie Cole, 53, from Vacaville, CA, living in Newton North Carolina, after a long struggle with cancer, passed away at 3:33 AM on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. She was surrounded by her family. We are thankful that she was in her mother's home at time of death.

Kirsten is preceded in death by her Grandmother, Margaret & Grandfather, Ricardo Diaz, Uncle Art Diaz & Uncle Steve Wall. Also, “uncle” Steve & "aunt" Karen Stephenson. Who were
part of our "calabash family."

She is survived by her five siblings: Brian Wall, Brandon Wall, Teresa (Funk) Savage, Stephanie (Wall) Wiltz, and Braley Webb. Her children, Alyssa (Jenness) Owens, (32) Devan (Cole) O'Shaughnessy (28) Payton Cole (24) and Gabriella (Gabby) Cole (17), three grandchildren, Viktor (7) Amelia (20) months and Merlin (8months). She has 3 uncles and aunts and several cousins and a plethora of close friends who adored her.

Kirsten was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on Nov 3, 1968 to Rita (Diaz) Wergowske and Frederick (Rick) Funk at Kapiolani Women's & Children's Hospital.

After a move to the mainland, Kirsten and her brother, Brian were adopted by Ronald M. Wall who had married Rita, but later divorced. Ronald remarried and he and his wife Marsha
remained in contact with Kirsten.

Kirsten returned to Hawaii to join a childhood friend, Michael Jenness and they married in 1990, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Alyssa is the only child from that marriage.

On September 23, 2005 after 2 years of courtship, Kirsten married the "love of her life," Aaron Cole. They lived in Vacaville for 19 years and raised their daughter, Gabrielle Rose (Gabby) and remains with her dad, Aaron.

Kirsten graduated from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon, with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. She had a special place in her heart for children. She worked with autistic children as a behavior specialist in Contra Costa School District and later for the Solano County Adoption Services. Often her work was heartbreaking as she cared deeply for her little clients. Kirsten's heart was gigantic!!! Anyone who knew her would agree. Kirsten's ever engaging smile and warm beautiful eyes told you she cared for you deeply. Many, many people she knew, whether family or friends were captivated by her personality. Kirsten, a sweet and generous soul will live forever in our hearts. Perhaps, we can try to fill the emptiness with her memory.

There will be a Rosary at 6:00-8:00 P.M on Friday, May 6, 2022 at Jenkins Funeral Home, and the funeral will be at noon on Saturday, May 7,2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Cole family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton 828-464-1555.