Clarice Cox

Clarice L. Cox, 91, of Hibbing, died peacefully in her sleep November 24, 2014.

She was born Clarice Sternberg in Wausau, WI, on October 8, 1923, to Albert and Ida Sternberg. The youngest of seven children, and being quite small, she was given the nickname “Baby,” a term of endearment that followed her throughout her life. She attended the University of Wisconsin until her mother’s death. In the early 1940s, Clarice moved to Grand Rapids to be with her sister, Lil.  Shortly thereafter, as the manager of the Red Owl grocery store, she met a debonair flour salesman named Charles Cox. After a brief courtship, they were united in marriage on August 11, 1945. Clarice and Charlie were true loves, true partners, and true soulmates.

Clarice will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was an accomplished gardener known for her artistic way with herbs and flowers, especially her favorite flower, the pansy, and if you were fortunate enough to have tasted her homemade raspberry jam, you were lucky, indeed. She was most at home in her backyard garden, surrounded by her family and the little birds she held so dear. She was a voracious reader and a well-known logophile, who was the undisputed, long-reigning Scrabble champion of her family. Although a very private person, those who knew her will remember her unmatched quick wit, her clever sense of humor, her masterful grasp of numerous languages, and her kind, kind heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and sisters, her beloved husband of fifty-three years, Charles M. Cox, and her daughter, Jane Cox Stearns. She is survived by her children, Kathleen (Alan) Jokela, and Michael (Regina) Cox, grandchildren, Meghann Jokela-Thompson (Bruce Thompson), Alex (Melissa) Jokela, Michael (Joanna) Stearns, Ryan Stearns, Jonathan (Jazmin) Stearns, Ean Cox, Jordan Cox, and two great-grandchildren.

Clarice loved flowers and birds. To honor her memory, her family requests that you send flowers to someone you love or a donation in her name to the National Audubon Society.  Per her request, no service will be held. Arrangements are with Dougherty Funeral Home, Hibbing.  To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.doughertyofhibbing.com.

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