Obituary of (Barbara) Joan Cocks

April 21, 1924 - February 12, 2020 Joan was born in Peterborough, Ontario to Thomas and Ethel Pitchford, solidly middle-class English immigrants. She grew up in a comfortable home along with her sister Margaret, her maternal grandmother, an aunt and young cousin. They are all gone but are the subjects of many stories. She married a handsome sailor, John Cocks, at the end of World War II and moved to Halifax where they fell in love with the east coast way of life. Despite lengthy sojourns in Ontario (Norwood and Cobourg in particular) they eventually retired by the sea in Pocologan, NB. After Jack's death, Joan returned to Ontario to live and make many friends in Pentanguishene. Jack and Joan created a baby boom of their own with Jacqui (Good), Beth (Watkins),Tom and Jeff (Cocks). Jeff, sadly, died too young but his daughter Jesara Holla is one of a gaggle of grand kids. The others are Jennifer, Andrew and John Cocks, Jacob and Dan Burd, Stephanie Friis, Angela Watkins, and Austin Cole. Step-grand kids are Allen, Holly and Ted Cole. As you can imagine, there are many little ones who knew her as Grammie Great. Those fortunate enough to marry into the family are the late Leon Cole, Elaine and Anna Cocks and Darryl Watkins. And, of course, there are many nieces and nephews, good friends and bridge partners. Joan graduated top of her high school class in an era when most women didn't go to university. She was a talented bridge player, puzzle solver, writer, knitter, pie maker, singer, and Mom. She drove a car until she was 90. Joan celebrated her 95th birthday on April 21,2019 ,amid a flurry of cards from family and fans across the country. They brightly decorated her hospital wall at the Abbie Lane Geriatric Unit in Halifax where she received expert and compassionate care. That fine care continued at the VG and Northwood in Halifax. Donations to the Northwood Foundation in her memory are welcome. Joan's family will celebrate her life at at a future date.