Carmen Janice Cole

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 stepfather J. Phillip Schumacher, her 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), and Cynthia (Steve); a nephew, Jay (Simone); great-nieces Jess (Andrew), Kaiti (Dylan), Leanne, and Emily; great-nephews Tommy, Andrew, and Carter; great-great-niece Blake; and great-great-nephew James.

For sixty years, Carmen owned and operated Sunnyside Greenhouses, the family business in Dover, New Jersey. She took great pride in her hard work and the legacy she helped sustain. Above all, she cherished time spent with her grandchildren, who brought her tremendous joy. Her home was always open, a place where family and friends found comfort, laughter, and a true sense of belonging.