JOAN PATRICIA COX

The Wonderful Life of Joan Cox. Joan Patricia Cox was born September 3, 1929 in Montreal Quebec to parents Gil Heisler of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia and Margorie Heisler (nee Ferris) of North Dakota. Joan's brother, Clark, was born in 1936. Joan recalled the joy and happiness that Clark brought to their lives. Sadly, the family lost Clark to a staph infection when Joan was 10 years old. Joan's father, Gil, was the national manager of the dining and sleeping cars at Canadian Pacific Railway. Gil's employment with the CPR required frequent transfers. The family moved from Mount Royal in Montreal, to Winnipeg, Manitoba and then to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. In 1947, Joan commenced her studies in nursing at Moose Jaw General Hospital, and ultimately became a Registered Nurse. In that same year, she met the love of her life, John Cox. John and Joan were married on May 24, 1952. John and Joan remained deeply in love throughout their time in this world together. When their first son Johnnie was born on November 30, 1954, Joan gave up her nursing career to be a stay at home mom. John and Joan had three more sons: David, born on December 5, 1957, Michael, born July 7, 1964, and Peter, born June 9, 1967. In 1958, Joan and John purchased a property on Healey Lake in Muskoka and it quickly became their favorite place. Joan was kind, loving, and compassionate and had an amazing sense of humor. Her four boys were raised on healthy doses of Bugs Bunny and The Three Stooges, and they were always encouraged to actively participate in boisterous dinner table conversation, where lots of laughter would ensue. Joan always said she was happiest when the whole family was together. Joan ran a very active household and encouraged her boys to participate in numerous sports. In 1980, after twenty-seven wonderful years living in Toronto, Joan and John decided to move to Healey Lake (Muskoka) and make the family cottage their permanent home. In the winters, they divided their time between Healey Lake and another favorite place: Hopetown, Abaco, Bahamas, where they established great friendships and memories. In September 2009 Joan's life partner and soul mate, John, passed away. Joan was devastated and her life was changed forever. In September 2013, Joan moved to Tansley Woods Retirement Home in Burlington where she spent the last four years of her life. Joan made many friends. She loved the staff, and they loved her. One of the greatest people to come into her life in the last three years was Shirley Melbourne RN, who not only cared for Joan, but also became a wonderful and trusted friend. Throughout her time at The Village of Tansley Woods, Joan never lost her kindness, compassion, or sense of humor. On the evening of October 26, 2017, Joan was surrounded by her four boys, wonderful daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. Joan died peacefully and beautifully on the morning of October 27, 2017 with her son Johnnie and her daughter-in-law Michelle by her side. Joan leaves behind, her son John, his wife Michelle (nee Babin) and their 5 children, Johnnie, James, Christopher, Danny and David; her son David and his wife Christina (nee Thompson) and their four children Sarah, Anna, Laura and Sean; her son Michael, his wife Liz (nee Jarrett) and their three children, Rachel, Julia and Andrew; and her son Peter, his wife Tara (nee Trodden) and their three children Joey, Maggie, and Tommy. If every child could have a mother like Joan, this world would have more love, peace, and happiness. We are forever grateful mom. There will be a celebration of life at Logan's Funeral Home, 81 James Street in Parry Sound on Sunday, December 17, 2017 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Eulogies and family tributes at 3:00 P.M. Over the years, the family had numerous dogs, which were well loved by Joan. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in Joan's name to the Ontario SPCA.