Brenda Cox

Brenda Jane (Best) Cox passed away peacefully on June 5, 2018 at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, Bracebridge in her 82rd year after a short illness. Brenda was born in Bracebridge on August 28, 1936 into a Bracebridge pioneer family. She was the daughter of the late Shelagh E. (Thomas) and late Russell M. Best, QC. The Thomas family was instrumental in the forming of the Bracebridge Memorial Park and the purchase of the Boer War Fountain, which Brenda saved from destruction by the Town, had it restored and, eventually, returned it to the park for the Town's 125th anniversary. The flowers around the fountain are given each year by the family and will now serve in memory of Brenda. Brenda was also predeceased by her brother, Terence and infant sister Sandra. Brenda is survived by her husband of 62 years, Arthur, her daughter Nancy (Patrick Godfrey) and her son Dr. David (Elizabeth) Cox, of Bracebridge. She will be fondly remembered by her four grandchildren, Dr. Shannon Godfrey, Caroline, Andrew and Daniel Cox. Loving aunt to Geoffrey Best. Brenda lived her entire life in Bracebridge and, being from a family of locally known historians, was known for her historical knowledge and photograph collection about the town. She pictorially collaborated on several historical books and was a main contributor to the book "A Good Town Continues, Bracebridge from 1915 to 1999", a sequel book written for the town's 125th anniversary. She was also proud to be a descendent of United Empire Loyalists who came to Canada during the American Revolution from Maryland, USA. Brenda attended Bracebridge Public School and Bracebridge High School and married shortly after graduation. For many years Brenda was a loyal member of the St. Thomas Anglican Church Woman's Auxiliary and the Chancel Guild, having been the Chancel Guild Secretary at one time. Brenda had also been a South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Auxiliary member and a proud costume and set designer for several of the first Rotary Club of Bracebridge Musicals. She was a founding member of the Bracebridge Historical Society, including a member of the interior decorating and acquisition committee for the 1978 restoration of Woodchester Villa. Brenda loved auction sales, antiquing and, along with Art, travelling throughout North America and parts of Europe. But, being a movie memorabilia collector, Brenda loved California the most and her soul will forever be there. A public visitation is being held on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. with a private family funeral, conducted by Rev. Peter Simmons at Reynold's Funeral Home in Bracebridge. Burial will follow the service at St. Thomas Cemetery with pallbearers from members of Brenda's family. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be given to a charity of your choice.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, June 6th, 2018 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Reynolds Funeral Home

Wednesday, June 6th, 2018 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Reynolds Funeral Home

Service Information

Details:

A Private Family service will be held at a later date

Interment Details

St. Thomas Anglican Cemetery