A memorial service for the celebration of the life of Mary Jane (Jerry) Wilcox will be held 10 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2009, at the First Presbyterian Church of Albert Lea. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour before the service.
Jerry died at her home on June 29, 2009. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Jerry Wilcox was born in Virginia, Minn., to Alma Marie (Swanson) and Vernon Russell Prince on Aug. 14, 1919. During her high school years Jerry was active in journalism, participating in newspaper and year book activities. She was captain of the girls’ basketball team and a member of the swimming team. She graduated Valedictorian from Virginia High School in 1937. Jerry attended two years at Virginia Junior College where she studied liberal arts. She then transferred to the University of Minnesota, College of Education, where she received her bachelor of science degree in primary education. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and Pi Lambda Beta, an honor society. Jerry taught in Buffalo Lake and then in Bloomington.
On Aug. 29, 1943, Jerry married Pvt. G. Charles (Chuck) Wilcox, M.D., her junior high and high school and college sweetheart. Dr. Wilcox’s Army years found them living in St. Paul, Ft. Lewis, Wash., and in The Bronx, New York. After the Army, they moved to St. Peter, Wood Lake, and eventually to Albert Lea. Chuck and Jerry were married for 57 wonderfully happy years.
Jerry was a devoted member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter CV, for 58 years. She was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday School, and she and Chuck served as Deacons. She was a member of AAUW and the Naeve Hospital Auxiliary. She was a Brownie Leader and a Cub Scout Den Mother. She had many dear friends during her memberships in birthday club and bridge club. When their children left the nest, Jerry returned to her two loves of teaching and children, and taught preschool at what was then known as the Anthony Nursery School in the Methodist Church.
Jerry was an avid reader and was delighted when she found a good mystery. She enjoyed crewel work, finding new recipes, cooking and baking. Jerry was a most loyal Vikings fan. She loved vacationing with Chuck and their family. Their trips took them to the northern Minnesota resort of Bon Repoz, the historic sites in Washington D.C., the national parks out West and they also visited Canada. Jerry and Chuck flew to Mexico several times, Chuck as the pilot and Jerry as the navigator. They were also chaperones for the YMCA Know Your Government Seminar in 1968. Jerry took her dream trip with daughter Pat, when they visited England and were in London during 9/11. In her later years, Jerry puzzled over many a crossword with her children.
Those who are grateful for having shared in Jerry’s life included her children: David Charles and wife Mary Jo (Skophammer) Wilcox of Olympia, Wash., Patricia Lynn Wilcox Peterson and husband Joel Peterson of St. Paul, and Betty Kristine Wilcox of Albert Lea; her grandchildren: Keith D. Wilcox of Olympia, Wash., Ellen K.L. Wilcox and husband Peter Lane of Seattle, Wash., Joseph and his wife Diana Wilcox of Bucharest, Romania, Jill (Peterson) and her husband Chad Towle of St. Paul, Jane K. Peterson and her husband Eric Jacobsen of St. Paul, and great granddaughter: Josephine Wilcox Lane of Seattle, Wash.; sister-in-law Madeline Wilcox, brother-in-law Thomas Seery, many nieces and nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, G. Charles Wilcox; and her sister Elizabeth Seery.
May the Lord bless the memory of Jerry Wilcox. She touched the lives of many people.