Doreen Barbara Cox

Doreen Barbara Cox passed away peacefully in Penticton, BC on January 7, 2023, filled with the love of her husband, Jim, her daughter, Debbie, her sons, Kevin and Doug, her son-in-law, Greg, her daughter-in-law, Camille, her grandsons, Reid and Blair, her granddaughter-in-law, Chynna and her great-grandchildren, Emerson, MaKenna and Theo.

The daughter of Pearl and Almon Shepherd, Doreen was born in Dryden, ON, where she attended elementary and high school, excelled in sports and made life-long friends. She grew up with her brothers, Barry and Keith and her sister, Peggy, mostly in the family house on Albert Street, surrounded by lush gardens, open doors, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

In 1955, Doreen married Jim Cox and together they raised Debbie, Doug and Kevin in Dryden and Ear Falls, ON. In 2003, Doreen and Jim retired to Osoyoos and then Penticton, where they shared in the lives of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, made many new friends and had many new adventures.

Doreen lived much of her life outdoors. She paddled through sparkling blue waters and carried heavy packs along difficult trails. She sunned on glorious beaches, lunched on rocky shores, read books and caught fish and was always the first to dive from the boat into the lake. She taught her children that life is an adventure, that experience is to be embraced, and that joy can replenish us, even after the darkest grief.

Many people will remember Doreen from her work at the LCBO in Ear Falls and Dryden, and for the lively holiday scenes she created on the windows to celebrate the festive seasons.

Doreen cultivated beauty and inspired it in others. She set exquisite tables, prepared magnificent meals and designed light-filled spaces that welcomed her family and friends.

Doreen laughed easily and often. She moved through the world with grace and dignity and loved and accepted us all for who we were in that moment.

Doreen joins her son, Doug, her great-granddaughter, MaKenna, her mother, Pearl, her father, Almon, her brother, Keith, her sister, Peggy, her father-in-law, Judge John A. Cox, her mother-in-law, Ethel Cox, her sister-in-law and great friend, Bobbi Shepherd, her brothers-in-law, Dan and Jack Cox, her great-nephew, Jim and her long-time friend, Verla.  

She was touched as she passed by the loving voices of her friends and family –  Barry, Chris and Andrew Shepherd and their families, Jim Reid and his family, Sandra and Sheila Cox and their families, Kathy, Lori, Barbara, Cathy, Marilyn and the many others who reached out to us and held her in their hearts that day and every day.

We will never forget the kindness of Dr. Stuenenberg at Penticton Regional Hospital and the staff at Moog & Friends Hospice House and Southwood Retirement Resort in Penticton.

A service for Doreen was held in Penticton in February and a service will be held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Dryden on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 1:30 pm. All are welcome.