"I worked at Danscenter where Gardenia and Kjell ran the coffee-shop and sold dancewear. I loved her bubbly and joyful personality. The way she was so engaged in everyones lives, she truly cared for everyone she met. Her dramatic way of responding and caring was wonderful! She was such a joy to be around and she brightened everyones day! Also she and Kjell was so giving when we left the buildning and I still thank them for it. I miss her, and I'm sure her daughters and husband do a million times more, she was truly an angel on earth! All my love and condolences! "
In loving memory of
Gardenia Vermelle Cole-Palsson
December 7, 1946 - October 12, 2021
Detroit resident, Gardenia Vermelle Cole-Palsson; died October 12, 2021 at the age of 74.
Gardenia grew up in South Carolina with her parents Clara, Edgar, and brother Edgar Jr. She graduated from Bennett College with a bachelor's degree in arts. She was an elementary teacher for 1 yr before becoming a social worker. She always loved helping and teaching others. She had a huge modeling, acting and singing career. That was her passion. One would always see her light up while singing and dancing.
She was so smart that she was 1 year ahead of her age group in school. She spoke English, Swedish, Chinese and German fluently.
Her only brother Edgar, she loved him so much. She would talk about him all the time and how proud she was of him. Every time she heard his name she would brag about his accomplishments.
She met her husband Kjell February 13th, 1987 and they married April 2nd 1987. Even though they didn't know each other for so long they ended up being soulmates and married for 35 years. They did everything together including traveling around the world 4 times.
Gardenia and Kjell adopted 2 newborn girls Anastasia and Natasha in 1989 and 1991. She loved her daughters so much even though biologically they weren't hers. They all traveled around the world together. She was the best mother anyone could ever ask for. Everything from sitting through ballet practices, rehearsals and recitals to basketball practice and games. She was there. Nothing could keep her away from her daughters.
She loved having date night every Saturday with her husband. It was one night out of the week that she would be able to dance all night long.
She has 6 grandkids that she loved very much. She always loved playing with them and talking to them every week. She was like a second mother to them. They will miss her and never forget her.
We will truly miss her, and we will always cherish the memories we have with her. Continue her legacy through her daughters and her grandkids.
Life is seldom fair and in Gardena's case it was unfair that she had to end her life in solitary especially with her welcoming including personality.
Gardenia is survived by her husband, Kjell; daughters, Anastasia and Natasha; son-in-law, Bobby; grandchildren, Aliyah, Jordyn, Anthony, Dominique, Leona, and Marley; and her brother, Edgar Jr. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Tributes
"I am a childhood friend of Gardenia. She was pretty inside and out, very articulate,smart, kind, and loving. I will always cherish the memories of your visits to see me in DC. May your soul rest in peace. I will truly miss you. My prayers are with your family.Much love to all , especially to Edgar."
"Joseph Brigman (Joebrigman1603@gmail.com) I am a childhood friend of Edgar Jr that also knew Gardenia as Edgar's little sister. During our school years she was a brilliant student that was a year ahead of her class. I haven't seen her since school years.Over the years, Edgar Jr. has kept me abreast of Gardenia and family accomplishments and ventures. I will say that she really left her inprint on this earth. May Gardenia rest in peace and I share my sympathy with Edgar Jr and her family. Joseph Brigman"
"My dearest Sister Dennie I?m running over with joyous memories of our time together as brother and sister but knowing you?re at peace with Mom and Dad. (enjoying sweet potato pie and pound cake)? Thank you for welcoming me as the adopted son/brother into the extended Cole family and your love. When I?m sad about your passing I soon begin to laugh about the life you and Kjell shared over 35 years. From the time you arrived with Kjell in Charleston, passing through Frankfurt to Portugal, passing through Petersburg to New York?and the memories go on and on (oh yes Dad taking the girls (granddaughters to the park off of Peachtree Street). Rest in peace my beloved sister and I will miss you. And never forget you. Love, John "
"It is deeply saddening to think about the passing of Gardenia. I met her through her brother, Edgar, in elementary school. From that time on, Edgar and I developed a pal relationship which still exists. Gardenia became my little sister. As we all grew up had families, Edgar kept me abreast of Gardenia and her family as they moved from country to country and enjoyed a successful life. Knowing of her values, talent, scholarship and drive, I always knew she would do well at anything she set out to do. I never thought that health and life for her would become shortened. For that I grieve with Edgar, her family, and all who knew and loved her. May God?s blessings remain with you, little sister! John D. R. Jones"
"Gardenia was a genuine person with extraordinary talents. A God-fearing individual, and a person who would share her love for the Lord with others. Her life made a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. We can find peace in knowing she is resting with our Lord. "
"Kjell, Anastasia, Natasha and Edgar
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Although Gardenia is gone from our site, we will always recall her kind words and feel a sense of comfort remembering her laughter. May Gardenia?s soul be at peace with our Heavenly Father. I pray for peace and comfort for you and your loved ones at this difficult time and offer my condolences to you all. Her gentleness will always be in our hearts.
Love you all! B. Renee? Lee-Gourdine, Darius, Devin & Destiny"
"Dear Family, we were so saddened when we heard the news of Dennie's passing. Sadly, there are no words that anyone can say that will ease our pain. Please know that God, our Almighty Father will help us through these very hard times. Our love always and forever. Jake and Etta Lee "
"Cousin Jake& Etta October 17, 2021 Dear Kjell, Anastasia, Natasha,and Edgar Where have the years gone? As our minds Journey back through the years, we have nothing but the fondest memories of Gardenia, because she always was our voice of reason and the only girl when our families got together. Just imagine me and my 5 brothers and wild man Edgar altogether and you know boys will be boys, but somehow Gardenia helped to keep us all in check. Rest in peace Gardenia our "VOICE OF REASON" YOU ARE SORELY MISSED!!! "
"O how precious she has always been! She made me smile and gave enthusiasms to motivate me in my younger days.. Will miss you Gardenia! Praying for the family "
"Dear Anastasia & Family: In pursuit of my artistic expression, our paths crossed 1971, NYC. She opened her heart and lent a hand when needed. She enjoyed showing me the ropes as this was the beginning of our everlasting friendship. As time moved on, we married the same year and she was so proud of her beautiful daughters and devoted husband. To know her is a blessing. Her warm infectious smile, shining inward and outward beauty, and loving spirit is truly missed. In loving memory. Darlene McCrary. "
"I always knew Gardenia was special. She had a wonderful adventurist spirit that was contagious. We spent time together in New York and in South Carolina. I remember when we went to a Chinese restaurant in SC where I was so impressed when she ordered in Chinese! Each time I hear Teddy Pendergrass, I think of Gardenia. May she rest in peace. Faye Patterson. "
"Dearest Kjell, Anastasia & Natasha, Nadjana & I will never forget our times together in München & Budapest. I will very much miss Gardenia, especially how she said my name & Muffty?s as well. Gardenia is an amazing BEING & I will never ever forget her. Thank you so much Kjell for setting up our video phone call this spring. Bless you for that ??! I hold you all very dear in my heart and send you all the biggest LOVE during this time. Rest In Peace & Power Dearest Gardenia ????????"
"Mom. Words cant begin to describe how im feeling. You hade the best personality and always had a huge smile. You were such a beautiful person both inside and out. I know you were suffering and it was time for you to go home. You wanted your mom and dad and they called you home. I wish home was here with me and you could stay but that would make me selfish. You are now free and in peace. I love you mom forever. Till we meet again. Your dream daughter.. "
"GARDENIA: God saw you were getting tired But the cure was not to be So he put his loving arms around you And whispered come to me. Gardenia: I, your brother loves you But God loves you best So you just go ahead And take your well deserve rest."
"I was sadden to here of the passing of Dennie as we called her, remembering her smile and always having a kind word to say, she will be missed. To the believed husband and her children and grands, our prayers are with you. Claro, Carrie and children "
"Kjell, Anastasia and Natasha you all have my deepest condolences. I too shall miss my dear sweet cousin Gardenia. She left us with a lifetime of beautiful memories that will live on through us forever. She had a smile that lite up a room. Rest on dear sweet Gardenia."
"My special friend for almost 50 years. So many memories. She was kind and beautiful. She would light up a room when she walked or danced in?. You will be greatly missed by many. RIPmy friend?"