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Gail Pamela Cox
June 29, 1942 – February 7,2024
Gail Pamela Cox, resident of Dundas Ontario, passed away in her 82nd year, early in the evening of Wednesday February
7, 2024, at the Hamilton General Hospital. She suffered for many years with Polycythemia Vera. She did her best to
work through its challenges, the discomfort, and many sleepless nights. Gail is survived by her loving husband of 60
years, Hunter Lawrence Cox, her brother Kenneth Phillips, her children Darrell Hunter Cox (Robin) and Deborah Frances
Cox (Curtis), and her cherished grandchildren, Egan & Seraphina Cox, and Leah, Owen & Simon Biehler.
Gail was born to Frank and Joan Phillips in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on June 29, 1942. Summers, Gail worked in the fields on
the family farm near Selkirk. Winters, she slogged the long walk into town for school through deep snow and in the
bitter cold. Through many hardships, she persevered and developed great resilience and determination. Gail graduated
from teachers’ college and taught in a local primary school. One of her pupils wrote “I will never find a teacher so
wonderful”. Her passion for teaching, her creativity and assiduousness, her organizational skills and many other talents
very quickly led her to become the principal of a 4-room schoolhouse. Later, she would again apply these talents,
knowledge, and experience teaching college students to become Early Childhood Education teachers.
On August 8, 1964, she married Lawrence, a ravishing young Engineer, and her high school sweetheart. In 1965,
Lawrence was promoted to a new position, and they relocated to Kingston Ontario. There they welcomed their first
child on March 5, 1969. And, just after purchasing a new home suitable for their expanding family, Lawrence was
promoted again. They relocated once more, this time to Oshawa, where they welcomed their second child, on June 23,
1972. Lastly, in 2009, to be closer to their children and grandchildren they moved to Dundas.
Gail was a smart, loving & devoted mother and wife, had many interests and was an avid gardener and collector. Up
until last summer, she could frequently be found hands deep in their beautiful gardens. She had many collections over
the years including bottles, coins, stamps, dolls and especially buttons. Her button collection was her Mona Lisa. For
hours she hunted for specific specimens, researched, mounted, and documented her most prized possessions.
Her greatest reward was seeing her children be successful. Gail paused her teaching career for many years to devote all
her energy to raising her children. She wanted nothing but the best for them. She and Lawrence signed them up to
French schools and sports teams, enrolled them in swimming and music lessons, and took them travelling across North America. She made it her mission to ensure they had everything they needed, was loving, encouraging, supportive and
passionate about helping them succeed in whatever they chose to do.
Gail was a deeply sensitive and giving person. She cared for her ailing Aunt Christine for almost 20 years. The family
spent most summer vacations driving the Trans-Canada highway to and from Manitoba to be with her and Lawrence’s
relatives. Gail valued family, spending time together and helping them, however, and as much as she could.
Above all, Gail loved Lawrence. They loved each other deeply. The first spark happened at her friend Shirley’ birthday
party over 65 years ago. Their profound passion for each other was the bedrock of their enduring connection and it
flourished and strengthened as they navigated through life’s challenges and embarked on countless adventures
together.
Gail will be deeply missed by Lawrence, her family, friends, plants, and all who knew her. As per her request, no formal
service will be held, and a cremation has been performed. In the coming Spring, Gail’s family will gather for a private
celebration of her life. Contributions in Gail’s memory to the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Alzheimer’s Society or a
charity of your choice are warmly welcomed. Condolences and fond memories can be left on the Tranquility Funeral
Services Inc. website.
https://secure.rbg.ca/donate/i/21 /
https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=51079&51079.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_googl
e_SL&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIltrSp9GphAMVXjfUAR3J-wDbEAAYASADEgKlW_D_BwE
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5 Guestbook Entries
February 22, 2024 | Lorraine Harcus
My sincere condolence to Lawrence and his family for the passing of Gail. She was a school friend of my sister Louise Harcus. A very beautiful soul as I remember her. Rest in peace Gail.
March 2, 2024 | Gloria Lloyd
It is with deep sadness I learned of Gail’s passing She will be missed It was always enjoyable to spend an afternoon and then enjoy one of her delightful homemade desserts
March 8, 2024 | Susan Marsillo
I am so very sorry to hear of my friend Gail’s passing. We didn’t know each other too many years but we found a connection early on meeting. I met Gail at a meeting for polcythemia as my husband also was suffering with the blood diisorder. I will miss our occasional lunches and long chats on the phone. My sincere condolences to Lawrence and family.
March 8, 2024 | sue Jane carson
Condolences to Lawrence and the family. Gail and i met in Dundas a few years ago. i loved her button collection. She often attend environmental meetings that the churches put on and we connected on this level. Rest in peace Gail.
April 2, 2024 | Libor Rostik
My late wife Irene, our one year old daughter Tracy and I moved to Oshawa in 1974. We were welcomed by the neighbors among them by Lawrence and Gail Cox. Gail and Irene were exactly the same age and became friends. Both Gail and Irene were excellent cooks and we enjoyed our family dinners in our houses. We moved to Texas eight years later but our friendship continued. Phone calls, letters, visit to Dundas. Great memories!
Gail, thank you for your friendship, you were a wonderful woman!