Mary Catherine Cole (née Florentine), 72, of Severna Park, MD, passed to the eternal hands of God on Thursday, April 20, 2017, after a brief illness.

As a music teacher and administrator in Anne Arundel County Public Schools, she influenced the lives of countless young people. Through out her 35-year career, Mary Catherine connected with students through music and helped them to overcome obstacles and achieve their potential. After retiring as Vice Principal of Windsor Farm Elementary School in 2002, she continued to serve her community as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Severna Park, a Meals On Wheels volunteer and a volunteer in the parish office of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church.

Born in Cumberland, MD, Mary Catherine attended St. Patrick Elementary School and graduated from Catholic Girls Central High School in 1962.  She earned a bachelor's degree in music education from Frostburg State University in 1966 and a master's degree in education from Loyal University Maryland in 1982.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Catherine (née Brown) Florentine, and her husband of 40 years, Francis W. "Buddy" Cole.

Mary Catherine is survived by her son Frank A. Cole (Joanne Perry) of Rehoboth Beach, DE and daughter Allison C. Cole of New York, NY. Also surviving are her brother Frank Florentine (Susan Cook) of Annapolis, MD; sister-in-law Nancy Valasko (Albert) of Ocean Pines, MD; sister-in-law Catherine Gilbride (Michael) of Haymarket, VA; brother-in-law Harold M. Cole Jr. (Linda) of Middletown, MD; and 5 nieces, 1 nephew and several great nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may visit on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM at the Barranco & Sons P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 26 ^th at 10:30 AM at St. John the Evangelist, Severna Park. An additional day of visitation will be held in Gettysburg, PA on Thursday, April 27 ^th from 6 to 8 PM at Monahan Funeral Home. The Rite of Committal will take place at St. Ignatius Catholic Church Cemetery, Orrtanna, PA, on Friday, April 28 ^th at 11 AM.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made in the name of Mary Catherine Cole to St. John The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church (www.stjohnsp.org/giving) or The Kiwanis Club of Severna Park (P.O. Box 72, Severna Park, MD 21146).

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com