WILCOX, Clara Ellen (Dwyer)

It is with great sadness that the family of Clara Ellen Wilcox (Dwyer) announces her passing on December 30, 2021, just shy of her 102^nd birthday. Ellen has survived her husband Joseph and her 3 brothers, William, Joseph, and Hal. Ellen is survived by her son Joseph Michael (Heather), her granddaughters Holly Browne (Christopher) and Tracey Urso, as well as her great grandchildren McKenna Urso and David Browne, and her nephews Michael and William Dwyer. As a teenager, Ellen met the love of her life, Joseph Henry Wilcox, while visiting relatives in Georgetown, Ontario. Upon returning to Peterborough, she announced to her parents she had met her future husband. Their courtship often saw Joe visiting Peterborough. When unable to get a ride, he could be seen bicycling between Georgetown and Peterborough to see Ellen. They married on May 6, 1939 and enjoyed a beautiful life together until Joe’s passing on April 16, 2007. Early in their marriage they moved several times but finally settled in Callander, Ontario where they raised their only son, Joseph, Jr. Ellen was a devoted wife and business partner to Joe in several Callander establishments. She was an active member in the Callander community and was a founding member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 445 in Callander. Ellen and Joe were devoted Catholics and could always be found on Saturday night in the 3^rd pew from the front at St. Alphonsus Church. For over 50 years she was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League. Ellen was an avid golfer who spent many hours enjoying the sport in North Bay and Florida. Upon retiring she and Joe spent six months of the year in Fort Myers, Florida where they had a beautiful home and active social life. They expanded their travels and discovered Princess Cruise Lines. Wherever Princess went, you were sure to find Joe and Ellen at the Captain’s table. They continued to cruise but eventually sold their Florida home and spent winters in Callander. The cold northern winters didn’t slow them down. They were active in the Legion, the church, and their community. For Ellen’s commitment to the community, she received the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012 and was recently honoured by the Callander Legion as the sole remaining founding member of the Ladies Auxiliary Branch 445. Ellen moved to Sudbury at the age of 94 to be closer to her family. She resided at The Westmount on William for 7 years then Extendicare Falconbridge where she remained until her passing. The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of the Westmount Retirement Home and Extendicare Falconbridge for their ongoing support and friendship in Ellen’s final years. At the request of Ellen there will be no visitation. Donations can be made directly to the Callander Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund, Branch 445, the Alzheimer’s Society, or a charity of your choice. A private family service will be held at a later date.