The City of Sarnia is mourning the loss of a well known volunteer and philanthropist.
Mayor Mike Bradley announced Friday that Norma Cox died on August 30 at the age of 95.
Mrs. Cox resided in Sarnia for over four decades and made significant contributions to places like Sarnia-Lambton Rebound, the Inn of the Good Shepherd, Lambton College, and Huron House Boys Home.
She also volunteered at the Bluewater Health Gift Shop for many years, keeping the shelves stocked with quilts.
Norma Cox (L) and Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley (R)
Mrs. Cox donated over $7 million to the community during her lifetime, including $1 million for the creation of Cox Youth Centre at Tecumseh Park.
In 2012, she contributed $750,000 to create a beautiful area in Germain Park in memory of her mother, called Mary-Ann’s Marigold Garden.
She worked with Lambton College to create a post-secondary scholarship program for high school students involved in charitable work for local charities.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley included Mrs. Cox on his 2002 Mayor's Honours List.
"Norma was a caring, compassionate person who was respected and loved by all who knew her," said Bradley. "On a personal basis, Norma and I became friends. She was generous, humble, caring, and feisty and I greatly enjoyed the pleasure of her company. I have not enlarged Norma in death beyond what she was truly in life. She lived a life based on hope, optimism and caring for others. Norma used her wealth to improve and invest in the life of others. If you believe that wealth is not money but family, friends, respect, trust and love, then Norma left us a very wealthy woman."
The flag at Sarnia city hall is being lowered to half mast on Friday in honour of Norma’s enormous contributions to the city.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley (L) and Norma Cox (R) - Photo by Glen Ogilve