Carmen J. Cole, age 77, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Bel Air, Maryland surrounded by her loving family. Born in Franklin, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Clifford Earl Smith and Elizabeth (Fritts) Schumacher.

In addition to her parents, Carmen was preceded in death by her step father J.Phillip Shumacher, brother, Jerry Smith, and her twin sister, Carlen Smith.

Carmen is survived by her daughters, Shannon (Gerardo) Linarducci and Tara Dodge; her grandchildren, Dominic Linarducci, Gianna Linarducci, Carmen Dodge, and Marshall Dodge V; and her sister, Kendra (Charles) Mueller. She also leaves behind a close family of nieces, Jeri-Lynn, Phylisa Beth (Tony), Danielle (Matt), Cynthia (Steve); a nephew, Jay (Simone); great nieces; Jess (Andrew), Kaiti (Dylan), Leanne, and Emily, great-nephews, Tommy, Andrew, and Carter, a great-great-niece Blake, and a great-great-nephew James.

Carmen owned and operated Sunnyside Greenhouses, a family business in Dover, New Jersey, for 60 years. She took great pride in her hard work and the legacy of the family business. Carmen especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, who brought her tremendous joy. Beyond her family, Carmen touched countless others through her work, friendships, and loved ones. Her home was always open and welcome—a place where anyone could find comfort, laughter, and a sense of belonging.

Details are soon to come on the memorial service at Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main St., Sparta, NJ. 

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.