Obituary of Joan M. Cox

Joan M. Cox, 94 lifelong resident of Johnson County died peacefully under the compassionate care of Iowa City Hospice and the staff of Lantern Park Nursing and Rehab Center on Thursday, October 16, 2014. Private family services will be held at a later date with burial to take place at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Joan's memory to Iowa City Hospice. Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Joan was born June 10, 1920, on a farm in Johnson County, Iowa the daughter of Walter and Flora Cox. She attended Clear Creek country schools, and graduated from City High School in Iowa City. She then attended and graduated with degrees in Botany and Art from the State University of Iowa. During WWII, Joan enlisted in the Navy serving as a WAVE in Washington DC, where her responsibilities included translating Japanese messages. Following her service time she returned to this area and for over 35 years she worked as an Interior Designer for Killians in Cedar Rapids until they closed. She then began a 17 year career at New Pioneer Coop in Iowa City as a nutritionist; fondly known as the "Vitamin Lady". Joan loved the outdoors; she has hiked and climbed mountains all over the world. Her last trip while in her early eighties was up the Amazon. She was one of the founding members of the Iowa Mountaineers in Iowa City. She believed in the care of our ecology and world long before it became popular. Joan cherished her family, always remembering them with cards and care packages on special days and holidays. She loved the family gatherings. as they all loved her! Her family includes cousins, Martha Hiscock Sanner, Marilyn Hiscock, Janet McKee, Jessica McKee and Jody McKee. She was preceded in death by her parents. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for Joan's family and services.