

Vicki was born in Topeka, Kansas in 1937 at the height of the Great Depression, the daughter of a lawyer, Ellis Dorwin Bever, and Dorothy Pennington Bever. The family moved to Wichita when Vicki was an infant. She nearly died as a child from an infection but was saved by a brand-new, experimental drug – penicillin. She grew up riding the prairie, herding cattle, and barrel racing during summers spent on her family’s farm in Topeka. She was a star student at Wichita’s East High and chose Stanford University, having visited the campus on her way to board the SS Lurline for a family trip to Hawaii. At Stanford, she majored in English and developed her lifelong love of language and books. She also met her future husband David on a ski trip to Sun Valley and they were married after graduation in 1959. She received her teaching degree from Radcliff College and taught in public schools in Boston and California.
After the birth of her two sons, the family moved to Paris, France. In their five years there, she embraced French culture and language and built life-long friendships, returning often throughout her life. The family then moved to Minneapolis where she was prominent in the community for her role in the Minnesota and National Planned Parenthood boards and other charities supporting women’s causes. In addition to women’s rights, Vicki’s passions included traveling the world with her family, piano bars, dancing with David, and a good, hot café au lait.
When her husband retired, the couple moved to San Francisco where she continued her philanthropic activities and enjoyed her seven grandchildren at their vacation house on the Point Reyes peninsula. A particular joy was to share her love of books by reading aloud to her grandchildren. In her early 70’s, she began a slow decline from Alzheimer’s and was cared for lovingly by her husband David. In her final years, she moved into memory care at Rhoda Goldman Plaza where she passed away peacefully. While her bright and curious mind faded, her loving nature, delight in music, and beauty never did. She is deeply missed by the family who loved her and the many friends and causes whom she touched in a rich and adventurous life.
Vicki is survived by her husband of 66 years, David Cox of San Francisco, CA, sons Brian Cox of Chevy Chase, MD and Carson Cox (Deborah) of Mill Valley, CA and grandchildren Elena, India, Quinn, Sophia, Georgia, Nell, and Charles.
Vicki Cox Celebration of Life
HOSTED BY
David Cox and Family
We look forward to celebrating Vicki's life with you, sharing memories, and honoring the amazing person she was. Reception to follow. She always loved a party! Hope you can join us even if it is last minute.
DATE
Friday, November 21
1:30PM PST
Fairmont Hotel
Pavilion Room
950 Mason St
San Francisco, CA 94108
Parking available at the Crocker Garage (1021 California St) and Fairmont Hotel Valet
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