October 4, 1924 - February 28, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
Sheila was born in Trail, BC to Cecil and Eunice Horswill. Life was extremely difficult in her early years as Sheila's Mom was on her own and moved from place to place to try and maintain a livelihood for her and her daughter. This hardship had a lasting impact on Sheila, creating an independent and determined woman.
Her Mom finally settled in Nelson and Sheila was able to go to school and thrived in the gymnastics program at the Civic Center. Sheila was also involved in dance and this remained a joy throughout her life.
Sheila found the love of her life when she was introduced to Ronald Cox and he invited her to go for ice cream. Ron and Sheila were married November 16, 1946, and they moved out the lake to raise a family at 4 Mile where she remained for over 50 years.
Always creative, Sheila loved to sew, bake, garden and paint. Everything always had to have an extra embellishment on it! Over the years Sheila worked at the Nelson Daily News and Hipperson Hardware before starting her own business grooming dogs in Cox's Poodle Parlour.
Sheila and Ron enjoyed travelling at home and abroad. They would take their motorhome to square dance jamborees, dog shows with their poodles, camping and visiting family and friends.
Unfortunately, they both lost their sight to AMD and could no longer drive, cutting their opportunity for independent adventures short. They sold their homestead at 4 Mile and moved into town, still able to square dance and enjoy time with friends and an outing to the Legion.
In 2016, Sheila was now on her own and remained in her home with the help of family and community support until her 97th birthday in 2021. She spent the last two of her 99 years of life at Jubilee Manor where she received excellent care, thanks to the caring staff and Dr. Janz.
Sheila is survived by her daughters Vivian (David) Postlethwaite of Nelson, Ronda (Ken) Houlind of Boundary Region, Karen (Charles) Smart of Maple Ridge and daughter-in-law Sandy Cox of Nelson and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband Ronald in 2016, and her son Spence Cox in 2011.
Plans for a family celebration of life will be made at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Nelson Branch of the Canadian Legion, CNIB, or Jubilee Manor would honour her memory.
To leave a personal message of condolence please see Thompson Funeral Service website: https://www.thompsonfs.ca