Mary L. Wilcox

Mary L. Wilcox, centenarian, peacefully departed this mortal life on Tuesday July 19, 2022 at age 102, on a beautiful clear summer morning! She was born on February 21, 1920 in Wheeling, West Virginia to the late Henry and Anna (Stab) Nickerson.

She grew up in the 1920's and 1930's, and through the Depression, in a hard working and thrifty family that prospered by the work of her father, who operated his own tire repair business after having lost a leg in combat in 1914 and receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor as a member of the United States Navy. Mary Lou was able to attend college at Wittenberg University, majoring in Home Economics and Physical Education. She later was employed for a short period as a school teacher, followed then by her first marriage, which changed her life and location but ended tragically when her enlisted husband was killed in a plane crash during WWII. She supported herself after that as a coordinator for the Secretary of War, traveling extensively.

Later, when the war ended, she married her second husband Robert Wilcox, and together they raised four children, at first on a country property near Prospect OH, and later moving to Columbus. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother, beautifully and skillfully providing for and nurturing her four children through the adventures and challenges of life, and being a great mother and friend. She was an accomplished seamstress and also enjoyed gardening. After her second husband died suddenly at age 59, she met the challenge of her new independence and provided for herself through various jobs, including substitute school teaching, also clerical and sales work. She enjoyed it all and was always well liked and respected by her coworkers and employers.

Throughout her life, Mary Lou enjoyed learning, and had great intellectual curiosity. She was no stranger to reading and studying, and enjoyed delving into philosophical concepts about life in general, as well as other varied topics. She even audited classes at Ohio State University, just for fun, and out of interest.

On a number of occasions she took it upon herself to personally help and aid ill and dying people who she knew. Always giving and thinking of others. Her love for animals also reflected her nature.

But the center of her focus continued to be her children and later her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a loving and warm blessing to all, truly beloved and respected! Loyal to the core, through everything and anything. She was also able to do quite a bit of traveling later in life, and thoroughly enjoyed the stimulation of those experiences.

She genuinely enjoyed the adventure and challenge of life, until time and debility slowed her down. But never much discouragement and certainly no self pity! She indeed was a fine exemplar of “The Greatest Generation." Strong as steel, with a heart of gold. Great wit and sense of humor as well! Her life was a blessing and a light in this world! Rest in peace, Mom!

Mary Lou will be greatly missed by children, Michel (Karen) Wilcox, Robert Wilcox, Margaret (Lyle) Welty and Anne Wilcox; grandchildren, Jason (Jenna) Wilcox, Benjamin (Marlo) Wilcox, Daniel (Katie) Wilcox, Aaron Wilcox, Christopher Wilcox, Deborah (Scott) Straka and Sarah Welty; and great-grandchildren, Everett, Harper, Jack Henry, Kayleigh, Olivia, Austin, Emma, Erik, Elliana, Alisdair and Tristan.

In addition to her parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Wilcox (WWII Army Air Corps Major); first husband, Thomas Rankin (WWII Army Air Corps Lt. who died for his country); brother, Pete Nickerson (WWII Navy Cross recipient, Navy Commander); grandson, Douglas Welty; and daughter-in-law, Janet Wilcox.

Our family would like to thank Mary Turner, who was a trusted and loving caregiver for many years! We also wish to thank the staff at Mill Run Gardens and Care Center - too numerous to name.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 PM on Monday, July 25, 2022 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221. Private graveside at Prospect Cemetery, Prospect, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to Columbus Humane, https://www.columbushumane.org/give or Tunnels to Towers Foundation, https://t2t.org/donate/.

To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.