On January 16, a beautiful sunny day, Libby Kay (nee Box) of London, slipped away from us at Strathmere Lodge in Strathroy, after a courageous battle with dementia. Beloved by everyone who knew her, she is survived by her husband Malcolm of 66 years, her children Laurie (Sandy), Tom (Nicole), and Andrew (Deb), and grandchildren Derek, Claire and Leo, brother Chuck Box (Janis) of Grand Bend, sister Marsha Allen of London, and sister-in-law of Judy Box of Parkhill and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Laurence and Margaret Box, brother Jim of Parkhill, and brother-in-law Jim Allen of London. Libby would have said that she was “plenty-nine” but we know that she was 85.
An avid roller skater in her youth, a photographer’s model, a high school queen, a past president of the Garden Club of London, Libby’s calling was to be the loving kindergarten teacher everyone wishes for. Libby had many talents – gardening, painting, sewing, genealogy – but her passion was people. She had a rare and precious ability to put everyone at ease, and she did that with everyone she met. We are heartbroken by the loss of her.
Libby and Mal travelled extensively, all over Canada, the US, Europe, and her favourite – Hawaii. She loved her Byron condo, but her soul belongs at her cottage in Norman Heights, Grand Bend, where she spent much of her life. She once roller skated from her childhood home in Parkhill to Grand Bend. Her skates needed new wheels after that!
The family would like to thank Dr Jennifer Parr, the team at Strathmere Lodge, and Susan Wood of the Alzheimer’s Society for their compassionate care of Libby in her final months.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, Lucan on Saturday January 21st from 10:30-11:30 AM where the funeral service will be held at 12 noon. Interment Parkhill Cemetery. If desired, donations to the Alzheimer Society or Strathmere Lodge would be appreciated by the family. For those unable to attend in person, the family invites you to join from the comfort of you home. Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh.
Offer Condolence for the family of KAY: Margaret Elizabeth “Libby” (Box) of London formerly of Parkhill
2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of KAY Margaret Elizabeth “Libby Box of London formerly of Parkhill 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
Death notice for the town of: Lucan, Province: Ontario
May we offer our deepest sympathies to Andrew and Debbie as well as Libby’s long time partner in adventure, Malcolm. Our hearts go out to Tom and Laurie and their families as well. We join you in spirit to celebrate a life well lived. Libby indeed was welcoming to all whom she met and we were made to feel heard and attended to.
May we all possess the zest for life and make time for our hobbies and passions in tribute to your mom, wife and grandmother.
With big hugs,
Trevor and Sherry Nichols