ALMA (MERLE) COX

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ALMA (MERLE) COX February 5, 1909 - June 1, 2010 A dearly loved mom, grandma, aunt and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 101 years. Merle was born at home in Sperling, the fourth of six children to William and Alma Rehill (Lewis). Three younger siblings predeceased her arrival; Charlie, Doris and Arlene. When Merle was 12 years old her parents, along with younger brother Lewis and sister Norma, moved to Carman where Merle spent her teenage years. The family of five moved to Winnipeg and she attended Wesley College on a scholarship. After two years she attended Normal School obtaining a teaching certificate. She began teaching in 1929 at Kirkfield Park. Her career was interrupted at age 22 when she met and married Ernest Cox, a young man from Wales whom she met at her mother's boarding house, 21 Edmonton St. A daughter, Elizabeth (Betty) arrived in 1932 and Merle was widowed less than a year later when Betty was seven months old. She resumed teaching at Kirkfield Park followed by Somerset, Grosvenor and Brock-Corydon schools, a career spanning 46 years. Some of her first students at Kirkfield Park have kept in touch right up to the present. In retirement, she was active in the Guild (Riverview Health Centre), Meals on Wheels, and her church Immanuel United. Grandma Sweetheart, as she was affectionately known to many, offered loving care to her mother and father, sister Norma, numerous friends and, of course, all of her family. She had the ability to see the best in everyone and each and every one of us felt special in her eyes. Visits with Grandma Sweetheart usually included a game of Chinese checkers, cribbage or cards. As her family we are blessed to have been able to enjoy her life, wisdom, support and love. Survived by her daughter, Betty Patton, six grandchildren - Janet (George) Bird, Gordon (Sharon) Patton, Leslie Ross (John), Terry (Shelly) Patton, Diane (Greg) Cann and Cathy (Bruce) Haining, 20 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren, niece Carolyn (Gary) Ousey, nephew Lewis Heuchert (Phyllis) and great-nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all of Merle's caregivers over the past four years, and more recently the staff on 4West at Deer Lodge. A memorial service will be held Sunday, June 13, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. at Immanuel United Church, 755 Golspie St., East Kildonan, Rev. Nancy Sanders officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Immanuel United Memorial Fund or to a charity of one's choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2010