Lisa Michelle Cole, RN

Birth: 25 September 1971
Death: 6 November 2022

On Sunday 6 November 2022, Lisa M. Cole (51) succumbed to AML-PEL. Lisa lived a private life, devoting her love and intense passion into her family, her work as a labor and delivery nurse, and her beloved animals.

Lisa was born September 25, 1971 to Jack Elk and Helen (Skutta) Elk in Arlington Heights, IL. She married John Cole on March 22, 1993 in Watertown, NY. The pair built a loving partnership, family, home, and life together. Lisa and John have two daughters, Kierstin (21) and Erika (17).

Everyone who met her knows that she always had a kind smile and word, always seeing the good and the possibility in every situation. She was empathetic and loved her family and friends with all of her heart and was always willing to provide a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on when the moment called for it.

She was known for her love of animals, her own and otherwise. She loved and cared for every animal she ever had through sickness and into old age, fed barn cats, checked on strays, and protected bunnies from dogs with a little bit too much hunting instinct for their own good.

Lisa was incredibly strong, fighting a rare and aggressive form of leukemia with grace and bravery for as long as she possible could. Her fierce strength and protective nature wasn't just for her benefit, it was continually evident in her advocacy for her daughters and her patients.

She was a loving and devoted mother to her two girls, teaching them the empathy, kindness to others, and sheer strength of will (which some would call stubbornness) at the core of both of their personalities. Both of her daughters love her and will forever miss her.

Lisa is survived by her husband, John S. Cole II; her daughters, Kierstin and Erika; her father, Jack Elk, and wife, Susan Elk; her mother, Helen (Skutta) Elk; her sister, Laura Elk-Weist; nephew, Everett Elk-Weist; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Robert and Helen Schultz, and her paternal grandparents, Olof and Gerda Elk.

A celebration of life will be held at AmVets Post 90 on Sunday, November 20th from 1 PM to 5 PM, at 421 Oak Street, DeKalb.

In lieu of flowers, Lisa's family asks that donations be made in her honor to For the Love of a Slaughter Horse, a charity close to her heart that has rescued, rehabbed, and rehomed over 300 horses originally bound for slaughter.

Cremation will be handled by Finch Crematory. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.