Lucia Wilcox

Lucia Carol Wilcox, born January 30, 1939, died unexpectedly at home on January 11, 2018. Lucia was born in Great Falls, Montana to Rev. Allen Cale Wilcox and Ruth Augusta Peterson Wilcox. Reverend and Mrs. Wilcox were missionaries to the Blackfoot Tribe and served under the auspices of the Home Board of Missions of the Methodist Church.
Her accomplishments as an adult suggest that Lucia's curiosity and widely varied interests surfaced at an early age. She pursued training in science and served in the Peace Corps doing malaria research at a posting in Thailand. Holding a degree from the University of New Mexico, she taught science in Albuquerque's public schools and later relocated to Southern New Mexico. Lucia worked in the Gadsden School District for many years, initially as a middle school science teacher. A sojourn at Michigan State University allowed her to complete training in Library Science and she returned to Gadsden as a middle school librarian.
In "retirement" Lucia's interests continued to grow and were nourished by her many friends. Her love of art became a devotion to watercolor and later to egg tempera. She was active in the Watercolor Society of Southern New Mexico and also in the cooperative Mesilla Valley Fine Arts Gallery. Many of Lucia's works appeared in shows sponsored by the Watercolor Society, including several at the Tombaugh Gallery of the Unitarian Church. Lucia's love of reading encompassed general fiction, historical works, and science fiction and she was a long-time participant in a local book club. Her love of games and gently spirited competition lead Lucia to the world of Mah Jongg. She joined the local Mah Jongg network and enjoyed teaching the game to newcomers.
One of Lucia's greatest joys was being outdoors. Until recent years she was an active hiker and skilled camper. She particularly loved hiking in Faulkner Canyon with her canine companions. For several years she served as a volunteer monitoring the Mesilla Dam area through NM Site Watch, a program that assists in the preservation of archaeological sites. Lucia was also a keen birder throughout her life and was still able to enjoy her backyard birds even after her hiking days had ended.
In Las Cruces Lucia leaves behind her longtime companion Sara Thomas. Also mourning her passing are Sara's children: Nova, Rachel, Keegan, and especially Zack. Lucia's close friends Tammy Schurr, Catherine Massey, Deb Dennis, and Jo Ruprecht will deeply miss Lucia's presence at gatherings where her wit, grit, and laughter will long be remembered.
Lucia was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Allen Cale Wilcox, Jr.; her sister, Mary Ellen Wilcox Pierce; and niece Lyn Pierce. She is survived by her nephews Jon Pierce and wife Lila, Christopher Pierce and wife Felice, Alex Pierce, and Steven Pierce and wife Lisa. Survivors also include several grandnieces and nephews: Marisol, Emiliano, Russell, Laura, Ben, Margaret, Sylvia, and Brianna.
Arrangements are being handled by Getz Funeral Home of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Cremation has taken place and Lucia's ashes will be scattered by her family. A Memorial Service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 2000 South Solano Drive, on Saturday, Feb 24th at 11:00am. A light lunch will served afterwards.