SYLVIA VICTORIA COX

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SYLVIA VICTORIA COX Sunday morning, October 9, 2005, Sylvia Victoria Cox slipped away from this life and entered into the presence of her Lord. Sylvia was born in Montespino, Italy, December 22, 1922 to parents, Victoria Sinigoi Berce and Lorenzo Berce. She had two younger siblings, a sister Paula and a brother Lorenzo. Lorenzo Berce, her father, died when Sylvia was four years old. This brought about conditions that caused Sylvia and Paula to be placed in an orphanage. The time spent in the orphanage was hard and after being there for five years, their aunt came and upon seeing the conditions and treatment of the girls, removed them and took them to their grandmother's. This reunited the sisters with their brother Lorenzo. They lived with their grandmother until her death and then with an aunt, their mother's sister. The years after leaving the orphanage were better years in spite of the poverty and endless hard labour. Sylvia's life was one of unbelievably hard labour, doing what was necessary to survive after the devastation of the Second World War. Being the eldest, she took upon herself a great load of responsibility for her grandmother, aunt and siblings. The tragic death of her brother Lorenzo at age 16 was a devastating blow, one from which her sister never fully recovered. Once again, Sylvia took up the responsibility and since then has continually contributed to her sister's care and well-being. She made a momentous decision when she decided to immigrate to Canada. She sailed for Canada Christmas Eve 1951 arriving in Halifax January 12, 1952 and going by train to Edmonton. January 17, 1952 she married Roy Cox and they moved to Selkirk, MB to live. Together they worked, saved and built their lives and home. Sylvia's personal experience as an immigrant caused her to have a tender heart towards others in the same situation, plus she had her own, hard won wisdom on how to manage in a strange land, different culture and countless limitations. She has touched so many lives with her caring heart and practical ways. She was predeceased by her father Lorenzo Berce; mother Victoria Berce; brother Lorenzo Berce and her husband of 44 years, Roy Cox. Remaining family are her sister, Paula Berce of Gorizia, Italy; sisters-in-law, Lenore Yates, Irene Davidson, Gwen Zayots, nieces, nephews and many friends. Special thanks are extended to her faithful friend, Evelyn Wesley and the nursing staff of the Selkirk General Hospital. The funeral service will be Thursday, October 13 at 2:00 p.m. at Springs Church, 479 Eveline St., Selkirk, MB. Viewing will start at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Jacqueline Fontaine will be officiating. Interment will follow at the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Cemetery. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 12, 2005