Thelma Cox

Thelma Constance Cox. age 89, formerly of Waukegan,IL, passed away on January 6, 2011, at Condell Medical Center, Libertyville, IL. Thelma was born on March 7, 1921, in Racine, WI. She was the first generation American to be born of immigrant parents; Carl Petersen of Denmark and Grace (Clarke) Petersen of England. She was a graduate of Waukegan Township High School, Class of 1939. Thelma formerly worked as a medical transcriptionist at Downey VA Hospital in North Chicago, IL and later worked in the office at Johnson Motors, Waukegan, IL. After her retirement from Johnson Motors in 1983, she returned to Downey VA Hospital on a part time basis and worked several more years in their medical transcription department. She was a lifetime member of the Waukegan Federation of Musicians Local 284 and many people enjoyed listening to her play the piano for well over 45 years. She was also a member of the Waukegan Township Senior Citizens Group and its bowling league. Thelma was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her radiant smile, her wonderful sense of humor and her love and caring for family, friends and animals will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. She is survived by her son, Ward (Mary) Cox of Gurnee, IL; her daughter, Valerie (Denis) Grau of Beach Park, IL; her five grandchildren, Donald (Julie) Cox of Ft. Wayne, IN, David (Denise) Cox of Bristol, WI, Daniel (Gina) Cox of Bristol, WI, Gary (Flora) Ekdahl of Mountain Home, ID, and Jennifer Lowry of Beach Park, IL. She is also survived by ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Carl Petersen (1931), her step-father, Elmer Slafter (1966) and her mother, Grace Petersen Slafter (1975). The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Rolling Hills Manor for their warm and compassionate care extended to Thelma during her stay there. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan road, Zion, IL. Interment is private.