Anita M. Cole, 84, of St. Augustine, FL entered in to rest on Friday, October 31, 2025. She was born on August 12, 1941, in Delaware, the daughter of Joseph A. Samluk and Victoria S. (Murowski) Samluk. Anita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Anita grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, attending St. Hedwig school through eighth grade, then continued onto Wilmington High School, graduating in 1959. At age 18, she began her professional journey at the Bank of Delaware where she met the love of her life, Thomas E. Cole. They married in 1962 and together built a beautiful life.
Anita devoted much of her life to being a stay-at-home mom for 18 years. In 1984, she returned to the workforce, joining the Delaware Division of Revenue, where she worked for 20 years doing data entry. She also attended Goldie Beacom College, furthering her education while balancing her professional and family life.
Anita was a member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Wilmington, DE for 32 years, where she volunteered at the Church and in their Catholic Youth Organization. After retiring to Florida, she continued to attend services at San Jose and San Sebastion Catholic churches in Jacksonville.
In 2005, just after retirement, Anita and Tom moved to St. Augustine, Florida, to be closer to family. They spent 20 joyful years in St. Augustine, creating cherished memories.
Anita was a lifelong dog lover, particularly fond of Japanese Akitas. Over the years, she was the proud owner of four Akitas. Her first, Nikko, was an AKA show dog and she was his handler in multiple dog shows. They brought her much joy and companionship. She never met a dog she didn’t love- and truth be told, she preferred their company to most humans.
Anita was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Thomas E. Cole; her parents, Joseph and Victoria Samluk; her brother, Joseph A. Samluk; and her sister, Marjorie F. Samluk Olazagasti. Anita is survived by her children, Shannon M. Cole Bray (Marshall T. Bray), Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and Scott M. Cole, Bradenton, FL; her grandchildren, Andrew T. Bray and Victoria E. Bray, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.
A service will be held in honor of Anita’s life, with family and close friends gathering to celebrate her memory at Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery and Funeral Home on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00. The funeral home is located at 4750 Palm Valley Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. Reception to follow, details will be announced at ceremony.
