GLADYS ELLEN (NANNY) COX (HOWES)

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GLADYS ELLEN (NANNY) COX (nee HOWES) On August 31, 2008 Gladys Ellen Cox passed away peacefully at the Grace Hospital with her family by her side. She was 82. Nanny's wonderful smile, strong spirit and joyful outlook on life touched everyone she met. Left to cherish her memory are her husband Clifford J Cox and her two daughters, Melanie Gooch (Richard) and Dori Rutherford (Ross) and her five grandchildren which she adored, Casey, Kevin, Catie, Courtney and Stephanie. Gladys was born on April 12, 1926 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The daughter of Tom and Minnie Howes, she spent her youth growing up on a farm just outside of Elie. Later while working in Winnipeg, she met a young man on the bus named Cliff. It was the beginning of a love affair that would last 60 years. Throughout her life, Nanny was always there with her warm hugs, her compassion, her wisdom and her unwavering optimism that the glass is never half empty but always half full. She took true joy in watching others strive to succeed in whatever they were doing, especially her grandchildren. She worked side by side with Cliff to help build a successful insurance business and later in retirement, Gladys and Cliff enjoyed travelling, spending time at the family cottage and making sure that they were only a phone call away if someone needed them. Nanny had a very special relationship with each one of her grandchildren. She and Cliff never missed a basketball, soccer, hockey, ringette or volleyball game, not to mention dance competitions, piano recitals and a host of other events that involved the kids . Sometimes Nanny and Cliff would drive to as many as three events in an evening, making sure they were in the stands to cheer on their grandchildren, even if just for a few minutes. Like her sister, Audrie Perry and her brother Tom Howes who predeceased her, Gladys was an avid reader and a great listener. Her daily phone calls or visits, with Melanie and Dori, were always a source of happiness. They were more than mother and daughters, they were best friends. In the evening, Nanny who loved animals, could often be found sitting on the couch with her budgie perched on her shoulder as she finished the daily crossword puzzle. There's a 13 letter word that describes the legacy she leaves behind... Unforgettable . We wish to thank all of the family and friends who have shown their support and compassion during this difficult time. A private family burial service has been planned and a memorial service to celebrate Gladys' life will be held at The Gates (formerly Green Gates) Pavilion, 6945 Roblin Blvd., Wednesday, September 10 at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gladys' name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 05, 2008