IRENE ELSPETH COX (MONTGOMERY)

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IRENE ELSPETH COX (nee MONTGOMERY) October 10, 1922 January 30, 2012 It is with sad hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our beautiful Mom, Irene Elspeth Cox (nee Montgomery) in Calgary, AB on Monday, January 30, 2012 at the age of 89 years. Irene was the beloved wife of the late Gerald Cox and the cherished mother to Sean Cox (Holly) of Teulon, MB and Sheila Marchyshyn (Darren) of Calgary. She will be truly missed by her grandchildren, Heather, Jared (Rachel), Devan (Gemma), Brad and Katelyn; as well as great-grandchildren, Candra, Liam and Jayden. Irene was predeceased by her brother Allan Montgomery (Pat) and is survived by her brother Roy Montgomery (Colleen) of Lethbridge, AB and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Irene was born in Moose Jaw, SK in 1922 but grew up in Selkirk, MB with an adventurous spirit. She always insisted that she grew up in the best generation! She met and married her sweetheart Jerry while attending and teaching Sunday School at St. James Anglican Church in Winnipeg. They shared 57 years together and were generous loving parents, whose love of nature and the outdoors was passed onto us, and we shared many wonderful lake vacations together. In 1999, they ventured west to Calgary, to share their retirement with Sheila and her family. Although Irene was born with a moderate-severe hearing loss and partial blindness, she overcame her adversities, acquired her 1st Class Teaching Certificate and taught Kindergarten and Elementary school in Manitoba for several years, with her favourite location being a one-room school house in Katrime, MB. She was known for her love of children, especially her grandchildren who were very special to her. She was always a dedicated and energetic volunteer with many organizations including her church, the Girl Guides and other Youth groups. Her passion was her work as a full time volunteer for the Hard of Hearing, on both a local and national levels. We are very proud to say Irene was a pioneer in starting the Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA). Irene's love and friendship was a blessing to many, her memory and inspirations will live on in us forever, and she will be dearly missed. Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the staff at Lake Bonavista Village Retirement Home and her Companions for all the love and care they provided for Mom over the years. A Celebration of Irene's life will be held at the St. Phillips Norwood Anglican Church (wheelchair accessible) (240 Tache Avenue) on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 1:30 p.m., officiated by the Rev. Linda Parsons. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Irene's memory may be directed to CHHA Manitoba Chapter, 825 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.leydens.com. Arrangements entrusted to LEYDEN'S FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM (304 18th Avenue S.W., Calgary AB T2S 0C3), Tel: 1-800-883-7702.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 04, 2012