Lila Anna Cox

Lila Anna Cox (Petersen) was born in Regina, Saskatchewan 90 years ago. With her parents, brother and sister, she moved to Denman Island where she lived and went to school until finishing grade 9: the family then moved to Royston. Mom told stories of being a young girl and bottle feeding the lambs on the farm and helping take the cows to graze on Tree Island at low tide, her job of painting gold lettering on the grave markers in the Denman cemetery, and of the many dances she went (snuck out) to in Union Bay and Royston.
She met Ralph and they married in October 1948. They moved to Campbell River where they raised their six children and met their many friends. For most of those years, Mom stayed at home to raise her family. In earlier years, she spent time in the summer as a swimming lesson teacher at Stories Beach and later as an Education Assistant at Ocean Grove Elementary School. 'Granny' enjoyed having her family near and looking after her grandchildren. She also loved animals, flowers, country music, doing puzzles and especially serving tea and goodies to family and friends. Thanks to Mom - we all have a 'sweet tooth'!
Mom was predeceased by her husband Ralph (2003), her brother Egan Petersen (1993), and her son-in-law Glen Rose (2019). After a short battle with cancer, Mom leaves behind her six children (Sharon Whitehead, Louis Cox, Cathy Nesbitt, Hazel Ibbs, Wendy Rose and Linda Allbury) and their families; her sister, Lill Pridge of Courtenay; and some very dear long-time friends. We would like to extend a big hug to June Palmer for being such a good friend right up to Mom's last days. We also want to thank Dr. Veerapen and all the staff at Yuculta Lodge - your care for Mom made it easier on all of us during these trying times.
In keeping with Mom's wishes, there will not be a funeral service: instead, the family asks that you pour a cup of tea and take a moment to remember a special moment or laugh you had with Mom. Mom wanted to have her ashes scattered from a parachute jump and that wish will be fulfilled by her grandson in spring 2021.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or an animal society of your choice.
Hvile i fred mor.
(Danish - Rest in peace mom.)