Ann Cole Halbert, beloved daughter of Evelyn Shepard Cole and Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence Albert Cole, passed peacefully from her family and friends on January 22, 2019. She was 71.

Born in Norwich on September 11, 1947, Ann grew up as an Army brat, moving around the United States and living in Okinawa and Germany. After attending public primary and secondary schools in eight different places, she went to Barnard College, now part of Columbia University in the City of New York, as a National Merit Finalist. Her heart went instead to Michael Prather Halbert, a McKesson computer specialist, whom she married at age 20. They made their home in Walnut Creek, Calif., until his death after more than 30 years of marriage. Ann then moved to Mesa, Ariz., to be near her parents.

Ann liked puzzles, loved to read, traveled, collected art and an extensive wardrobe, and became involved in her community. She was a member of New Life Assembly of God Church. Her best friend and fellow church member, Sue Katzfey, stood by her during her four-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Ann is survived by her mother, Evelyn Shepard Cole, of Tempe, Ariz.; her sister, Carol (Richard) Osborne; her nieces, Nancy (Ryan) Osborne and Sharon (Chris) Osborne; and two grand-nephews, Connor and Sean Polidoro. Ann is also survived by her uncle, Charles Edward Shepard of Newtown, and his family; by her aunt, Lorraine Shepard Hill of Grand Prairie, Texas, and her family; and by Cole family relatives in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Ann donated her body to Research for Life (Arizona/California). Her ashes will be interred in Newtown Village Cemetery this summer. Donations in Ann’s memory may be made to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance at [naviga:u]ocrahope.org[/naviga:u] or to a charity of your choice.

A memorial service was celebrated for Ann at 2 pm on Tuesday, February 12, at New Life Assembly of God Church, 314 West University Drive, Mesa, Arizona. Condolences may be sent to her mother, Lynn Cole, at 2645 East Southern Avenue, Apt A-220, Tempe AZ 85282.