Josephine Mendelson Wilcox

WILCOX- Josephine Mendelson Wilcox was born April 4, 1917 to Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Waldo Mendelson in Bangkok, Thailand, which was Siam, at the time. She passed away April 5, 2011 just after completing her ninety-fourth birthday. Her Dad was the personal physician to the King’s court and to the King himself. Her father was born in Lakota, North Dakota, raised in La Junta, Colorado, trained as a physician at Northwestern University Medical School, studied at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and received a Master’s degree in Public Health from Harvard University. Josephine’s mother was Edna Gibson who was born in Ohio, raised in Albuquerque, and later lived in Iowa. They were married in 1916 in Ms. Gibson’s father’s private railroad car, just hours before leaving to Siam. Josephine grew up in Siam until the age of ten. Upon return from Siam, her father initially taught Tropical Medicine at Tulane University in New Orleans, but then moved to Albuquerque for a better climate and opened a private practice. Josephine attended Albuquerque schools and later, the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. She worked in Albuquerque as a legal secretary, prior to her marriage. In 1942, she was married to Robert Stillman Wilcox III who was from Albuquerque. They moved to San Diego where he was stationed with the Navy. He was a Navy pilot and after only five months of marriage, he was killed in World War II. She returned to Albuquerque and later worked as a secretary for the FBI. They did not have children. She is survived by one cousin Dr. Bruce Berg of Fresno, California. Josephine was an incredible artist and used pencil, charcoal, water colors, and oils as her mediums. She painted portraits, landscapes, and animals. She loved horses and especially, dogs. One of her beliefs was that “a home is not a home without a dog”. Her favorite animal was the wolf and she admired how devoted wolves are to their families. Until her later years, she was a self described “life long loner”, enjoying her solitude, painting, art, swimming, reading and classical music. Neighbors, friends, and even the State of New Mexico commissioned her art. Her knowledge of words and challenging those around her to define them at the least expected moment, kept everyone on their toes. She was always very dignified and dressed well with attention to color and matching jewelry. She was also noted throughout her life as having a unique sense of humor. She lived in her own home in the NE Heights until the last four and a half years when she moved to Bee Hive Assisted Living in Taylor Ranch. To everyone’s surprise, she adapted well to community living and enjoyed winning chocolate, playing various games. She also received care from Ambercare Hospice, both in 2006 and then again in 2011. She received additional attentive care over the years from private caregiver Priscilla Fiege and agency caregivers from Comfort Keepers, Premier Home Care, and Special Care. Special thanks also to the many years of attentive care provided by Carolyn Atencio. These caregivers helped her carry out the things that mattered to her until the end, with dignity and respect. She was also fortunate to have a wonderful physician, Dr. Samuel Goldman who visited her on a regular basis. His care made all the difference over the years. The Bee Hive caregivers, house manager, administrator, and owner of Bee Hive are also much appreciated for the extra care and special attention to detail they offered her since 2006. Arrangements are being handled by Daniels Funeral Services, Wyoming Chapel. Her wishes were for cremation. Josephine did not want a viewing or memorial. Donations can be made to: Carrie Tingley Children’s Hospital, Animal Control, Animal Humane Society, or a charity of your choice. Josephine's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010