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The family of Catherine Louise Wilcox uploaded a photo
Monday, October 26, 2020
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Neil Wilcox posted a condolence
Saturday, May 14, 2016
A few short months ago when we were standing in this very place celebrating the life of our Dad, the last thing we could ever have imagined is that we'd find ourselves back here again sharing the story of our Mom's life. To even use the words 'celebration of life' seems wrong given the sadness that we feel. But celebrate will shall for that's what our Mom would like and it is certainly what she deserves.
From a very early age, Mom figured out something that so many of us take years, decades even, to realize. The only thing you sometimes have control over is perspective. You don't always have control over your situation. But you do have a choice about how you view it. Mom's cup was always half full.
She came into this world on a bitterly cold February day in 1933 and was one of nine siblings in a family living in the midst of the great depression. Like many families at the time, hers was dirt poor, and life wasn't easy for any of them. In fact, things were so tough that Mom didn't really have a lot of early childhood memories.
Mom did remember working from a very early age; selling strip tickets for the Exhibition, selling the Star Weekly, and landing her first paper route at the age of 11. She babysat, shoveled snow, cleaned houses, did yard work, and worked at the Brandon General Hospital in the nurse's dining room. Mom learned early on the satisfaction of a day's work, and also the value of a hard earned dollar. She loved being active and used the money she earned to buy herself skates and pay for lessons at the Brandon Figure Skating club. She once bought a $46 bike from Kullberg's on layaway paying $1 a month until it was paid for in full. Mom was always sensible with money and made sure that we never went without a thing.
Around the 3rd week in May 1950, Mom got a tip on a summer job opening at MANCO Dairies. She hustled her way right to the plant and nabbed a job making novelties. It was there, a month or so later, that she met a dashing gentleman named Ernie, who asked her to the fair, and eventually, to marry her.
Mom and Dad were indeed the lucky ones. They found in each other a soul mate so good a fit, that if you were to ever to see them in bed at night, all you'd notice is a lump in the centre of their small bed. I've never known anyone able to sleep like spoons the entire night the way they would. Their love for each other was so strong and true that it grew and grew until it overflowed in a shower of love and affection for their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We lived in a home full of encouragement, and support that allowed each of us to be our best.
Family was our parents' number one priority. They worked hard to provide for us and modelled for us how to build loving, respectful relationships. They included our grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in our family events and taught us the importance of valuing our kin. Everyone was welcome in our childhood home, and our friends quickly became part of the family. Our partners and their families were made to feel welcome right away. Mom and Dad were as proud of their sons and laws as if they were their own.
Mom loved her grandkids and great grandkids. She would do anything for them. Each one had a special place in her heart and was treated specially in their own special way. She encouraged the kids in whatever they did and made sure that each one knew she was there for them. It was a rare day that at least one of the grandkids, or later on, great grandkids didn't spend part of their day or evening with Grandma Kitty and Grandpa Ernie and you can be sure there were always cookies, muffins, and Jell-o on hand as a treat. In fact, if Mom had her way, red licorice would be considered its own food group on the Canada Food Guide, an essential part of any balanced diet.
Mom loved keeping busy. She wasn't one for sitting around. All of us have had quilts made for us, we all know the joy of having an ice-cream pail full of cookies ....
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Neil Wilcox posted a condolence
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Continued....
muffins, and Jell-o on hand as a treat. In fact, if Mom had her way, red licorice would be considered its own food group on the Canada Food Guide, an essential part of any balanced diet.
Mom loved keeping busy. She wasn't one for sitting around. All of us have had quilts made for us, we all know the joy of having an ice-cream pail full of cookies to take home following a visit. She was always active and loved walking with her friends, curling, golfing, and of course doing anything for anyone. Mom grateful for all she had and made time for volunteering. Over the years she gave countless hours to the United Way, MS Society, and the Legion. She knit mitts for the kids at my school and managed the books for the Brandon Stroke Support Group.
When Dad passed away in August, it broke our hearts to say goodbye. As sad as we were, we were mindful of our many blessings. Dad had lived a long happy life, he hadn't spent any time in a personal care home, and he slipped peacefully away with family at his side. They had had a marvelous life together and now it was Mom's turn to get some much needed respite from her responsibility as primary caregiver. She must have been exhausted. We were looking forward to her having some time to herself; time to regenerate. Mom put on a brave face following Dad's passing and kept very busy getting together with family and friends, sewing, baking, and exercising. She had never lived alone before and the silence alone must have been deafening. Their entire lives together had been a wonderful partnership loving and respectful give and take that manifested itself in a long and happy marriage.
November 11th has always been an important day of reflection in our house. With Dad being a veteran, we are mindful of the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers, and I knew that this year would be especially hard for Mom. We spent a good part of the day together, doing things around the condo, having lunch, and then taking a drive to the cemetery. It was an impressive sight with all the Canadian flags and poppies on the veterans' gravesites. We spend time at Dad's grave and found ourselves laughing and shedding a few tears as we reminisced. Mom seemed so very sad that afternoon when we said goodbye, I didn't realize it would be the last time I would give her a hug and hear her say 'I love you'.
It's impossible to really know what happened that November 11th evening as Mom crawled into bed following a long day of remembrance, but here's what I believe to be true…
I picture her settling in, closing her eyes, deep breaths, and then her thoughts leading her on a wonderful journey down Memory's lane. I envisage those images of her 82 year life washing over her like the warm waves of a lavender bubble bath: childhood, falling in love, motherhood, friendships, the years and years of happy marriage and all the adventures she and Dad had had. It must have filled her heart and soul with such a mixture of emotions, a cascade of memories bittersweet in the absence of her true love.
Living without Dad must have been lonely beyond belief and I believe Mom knew that all of us would be fine without her. How could we not? She and Dad had given us their all, and in doing so, had set each generation that follows, up for success. And now it is up to us, all of us, to move forward in remembrance and in honour of two lives very well lived. Two lives, inextricably intertwined. Two lives that will live on together forever. Rest well my loves, rest well.
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Judi Cuvelier posted a condolence
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Janet - I was saddened to hear of your mom's passing. You've had much heartache this past year. My deepest sympathies. Take care.
Judi Cuvelier
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Hubert Perey posted a condolence
Sunday, November 29, 2015
My sincere sympathy to the Wilcox family. Sherrill especially to you my thoughts go out to your family and Claude.
Keep those memories of your parents with you forever.
Sincerely: Hubert (Bert) perey
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Judy and Doug Marvin posted a condolence
Thursday, November 26, 2015
To Karen, Gregg and family; Janet Phil and all of the Wilcox family. We were shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of your dear mom and grandmother. She was indeed a strong and cheerful woman who enjoyed life and her family in every way. The words you wrote in her obituary captured her story very well -you really can take solace in their being together again. Thinking if you and sending our sympathy, Doug & Judy Marvin
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AnneMarie & all your Irish family posted a condolence
Thursday, November 26, 2015
To all my far away cousins - I was so sorry to hear of Kittys passing. There is nothing I can say to lessen your grief at the moment. I am sure Ernie has a comfortable little corner ready for her in Heaven and will be waiting to welcome her. They will be happy together as they were here.
Death leaves a heartache
no one can heal;
Love leaves a memory no
one can steal.
D
Deannasmailes posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Karen, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this loss of your Mom. The angles will take care of them both.
Deanna Smailes
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Claude and Darlene posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Karen, we are so sorry to read of your mom's sudden passing. Although I didn't know her I feel she must have been wonderful to raise a daughter like you. One comfort will be that your mom and dad are back together where they belong. Please pass on our condolences to all your children and Greg.
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Bill& Shirley Smith posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to the Wilcox family . BILL & shirley Smith Calgary.
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Helen Forsyth posted a condolence
Monday, November 23, 2015
Janet & Karen, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. How terribly sad for you so soon after losing your Dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Helen Forsyth
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Kathy Jenkins posted a condolence
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences. I went to school with Neil and grew up in the same neigbhourhood. I think I met your Mom only a couple of times, but I know she was a friendly neighbour to my family, always remembering their names when she saw them. I am very sad that you have experienced such a great loss and I know she was a wonderful person. I've also lost my Mom in the past 17 months and I know how devastating this is to experience. God bless and comfort you all.
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Vonda Cranswick posted a condolence
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Dear Karen, Greg and Family, We were so shocked and sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. On the Sunday before her death, we saw you walking into Canadian Tire with her, Karen. She looked so happy and contented to be out shopping with her daughter on a lovely , late fall Sunday. Cherish the wonderful memories. Our most sincere sympathy, Gary and Vonda
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Anne Wright posted a condolence
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Karen, Greg and family. So sorry for your loss. I will have many good memories of your Mom, Karen, whether it be of golfing or curling. Her smile will be surely missed. With deepest Sympathy, sincerely, Anne and Dwayne Wright
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Murray and Phyllis Kennedy posted a condolence
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Wilcox family- So sorry to read of Catherine's passing. Ernie and her have been very dear friends of ours for many years. Had a nice visit with Catherine when ever we made it to Brandon for the Riverview Curling Club BQ's She will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad and difficult time. Phyllis and Murray Kennedy, Calgary. AB.
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Linda Burnell posted a condolence
Saturday, November 21, 2015
My deepest sympathies go to the family in the loss of your mother. I curled with Kathy and so enjoyed her smile and her love of life.
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Jason & Mabel White posted a condolence
Friday, November 20, 2015
Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family.
Mabel and Jason White
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jason posted a condolence
Friday, November 20, 2015
Our sincerest condolences, she will be truly missed.
Mabel & Jason White
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Karen Mosiuk posted a condolence
Friday, November 20, 2015
My sincere sympathy to the Wilcox family. It is so unbelievable how soon your mother passed on after your dear Dad, what a love story for you all to hold. I always enjoyed our short conversations with your mom whenever I spoke with her. She was always so very positive. Keep them happy memories in your heart, as I know you all will
Sincerely Karen Mosiuk (Mitchell)
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