Janet Anne Cox (née Holdaway), age 79, of Chatham, Ontario, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Janet was born on April 2, 1947, and grew up on a farm in the Blenheim, Ontario area. In the mid-1960s, she followed her passion for helping others and graduated as a Registered Nursing Assistant (RNA). She dedicated the early years of her career to nursing, later bringing her warm personality to her work as a medical receptionist and as a product demonstrator at local grocery stores.
On March 8, 1968, she married her beloved husband, James Cox, with whom she built a beautiful life and family over 58 years of marriage. Janet was a tremendous cook, often hosting incredibly lavish dinners for the whole family which were always a hit and something to look forward to. Janet was also an avid gardener who brought beauty and flavour into the lives of everyone around her. She will be remembered most for her sense of humour, her quick wit, and her fierce dedication to her family.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Copper Terrace Nursing Home for the amazing palliative care and comfort they provided to Janet.
Janet was predeceased by her loving parents, Keith and Jean Holdaway.
She is survived by her devoted husband, James, who stood steadfastly by her side through an incredibly tough battle with her illness. She was the cherished mother of Julie Rogers (Jim), Randall Cox, and Brian Cox (Bridget); and the incredibly proud grandmother of four grandsons: Evan Rogers, Nathan Rogers, Bradley Cox, and Brandon Cox. She is also survived by her loving brother, Jim Holdaway (Sandy), and leaves behind several dear nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends.
A private family service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home in the coming weeks.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy and memorial donations be directed to the Chatham-Kent Hospice (CK Hospice).
