Elizabeth Irene Cole

Elizabeth (Beth) Bell Cole was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. She was a devoted Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend. Beth was born on January 30, 1967 and passed away on January 10, 2024. Beth was the loving daughter of Bob and Maxine Bell. Beth is survived by two sisters, Carol Ann Marlowe and Angela Bell; brother-in-law, Mike Marlowe; nieces, Robin Drago, Amy Schnug, Ellison and Riley Bruyn; nephew, Todd Marlowe and many close cousins. Beth is preceded in death by her Mom, Maxine Bell; sister, Becky Bell; and brother, Bill Schnug.

Beth was born with a fearless and valiant determination which she displayed at a young age; you might say she dove into the deep end of life as early as she could. Her determination would prove to be the key to her ‘little engine that could’ attitude, perseverance, and strength throughout her life.

Beth loved children of all ages. As a teenager she was the ‘go to’ neighborhood babysitter and all parents and kids trusted and loved her – she was a natural. Beth went on to work as a nanny at KinderCare Preschool where she loved and guided small children in their early learning stages. She instilled love and understanding in each child she cared for throughout her life.

Beth’s career in childcare was cut short in October of 1995 when she was diagnosed with Good Pasture’s Syndrome beginning her health battles that she took head on and conquered. She beat the odds more than once in her 28+ year health challenge. She was able to receive a kidney transplant in December of 2010 which provided her with the strength and independence to engage in the everyday events of life that she enjoyed most…shopping, meeting up with friends, and Angel’s baseball. Beth was an avid Angel FANatic, she and her friends became the self-proclaimed Halo-ettes. She enjoyed sharing that fanaticism with her Dad and many of her closest friends. Angel stadium was one of her ‘happy’ places where she enjoyed cheering on her team in person and enjoying a hot dog and concession stand treats. She and her best friends had a variety of Angel excursions from tailgating at Angel stadium to traveling to Arizona for Spring Training and even an Angel Fan Cruise where they were able to meet and talk baseball with Angel players. If you had a question about the Angel’s standings, who they were playing, where or when they were playing, or just a random trivia question about players or games…Beth knew the answer. Or at least she told you the answer with such authority that you never questioned her. She is now their Angel in the Outfield.

Beth’s other favorite pastime was shopping, which was a hobby she shared with her Mom. The two of them were regulars at South Coast Plaza on the weekends. Together they shopped till they dropped. The rest of the Bell women could not keep up with either one of them when it came to retail therapy.

Beth’s other love and special gift was being the ‘favorite’ Auntie. She was a loving and attentive Aunt to Ellison and Riley Bruyn. She was like a second Mom for them attending their sporting, school, and life events. The three of them created a lifetime of special memories of outings after school, shopping, trips to In N Out and McDonald’s for burgers and ice cream cones, and overnight stays. Beth adored her nieces. She cheered them on and would do anything she could for them. They had her heart and devotion and they knew that in every interaction Beth had with them.

There are so many special attributes that Beth possessed that we would all aspire to have. Elephants have nothing on her with her memory. She was the family’s biographical resource and human calendar. She remembered special events and moments, birthdays, appointments, and everything about you that she found special. She was amazing that way…she was amazing in every way.

Beth gave of herself to everyone she met. In the last months of her life, she was in multiple hospitals and with each transfer, she expressed how she would miss the nurses, staff, and caretakers; we would always remind her that it would only be a matter of a couple of days and she would have new ‘best friends’ caring for her. She never met a caregiver or hospital staff member she didn’t like – well, none that she would tell you about. Beth never complained…EVER! None of us knew how she managed to stay positive and encouraging even when she was in pain, received bad news, or was experiencing an especially challenging day. Beth never allowed you to feel as if your life weren’t important to her. She wanted you to know she loved and cared about you and she made sure that you knew that as well because she never ended a conversation with anyone without saying “I love you and I miss you.”

It's so hard to imagine life without Beth by our side; we all know life goes on, but there is a huge void without her.

We miss our Angel FANatic, our shopaholic, our family and friends’ calendar, and our inspiration…we miss our Beth!