Legendary Plymouth woman Babs Cole has died aged 101

A Plymouth centenarian and local legend has died. Barbara Cole, known as Babs, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 2. A maestro pianist, the multi-talented 101-year-old played one last piano tune the day before she died.

Babs had an “amazing connection” to so many people in Plymouth - she’s been featured in PlymouthLive on many occasions. She began fundraising during the 1970s raising thousands of pounds since then for local charities through dances and garden parties.

Retiring late in life, at 93, Babs “never stopped” she was always helping others, at 100-years-old she was making blankets for homeless people. Long term friend, Mandy Smith, aged 60, has known Babs for over 40 years, having played piano alongside her.

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Mandy said: “So many people in Plymouth knew her, a lot of them called her mum, grandma or auntie - she had an amazing connection to everyone she met. She had the kindest heart and never stopped helping others. She was so driven and never wanted to let anyone down. Everyone fell in love with Babs.

“She loved to dress up and had a massive theatre wardrobe at home, she loved a hat and to wear a nice dress. Her whole house is filled with memorabilia. She was a piano maestro and loved to get everyone onboard.”

One of eight children, Babs was born in Princetown, Dartmoor in 1923. She was the youngest child - the “baby of the family”. Babs leaves behind five grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Granddaughter, Natasha Saward, 37, said: "She will be missed by all her family. She was an amazing nanny and great nanny and she was so well known through her music and her fundraising.

"We have been trying to figure out how much she has raised over the years! She went in to care in October and she took her keyboard in as she wanted to bring joy to as many people even in her last six months.”

One tribute on the funeral notices page written by Gina Reed: “What a wonderful lady! Aunty Barbara (Babs) not my real aunty but that's what we called her, A good friend to my mum Pat (deceased) they were dinner ladies together, holiday pals, jumble sale gurus, TWG members and Elburton Village hall dancers. What fun they had! God bless.”

Another tribute written by Katrina Applegate says: “Babs, I only knew her for a very short while, but she left a lasting impression on me. What a truly fabulous lady, inspirational, kind, caring and just an all round beautiful person. RIP Babs.”

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at The Minster Church of St. Andrew, PL12AD on July 12 at 13:15pm. This will be followed by a private cremation. The wake will be held at Plymstock Albion Oaks RFC, PL90DF at 15:15pm.

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