Eleanor Cox Sojka passed away peacefully on March 21, 2023.
Born July 1, 1937, the daughter of the late John Alton Cox Senior and June Fulghum Cox, she grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she made many lifelong friends. After graduating from Fayetteville Senior High School and attending Meredith College, she worked for the chief pathologist at Fort Bragg. There, she met her soon-to-be husband, Capt. Nickolas Joseph Sojka, the post veterinarian and a member of the Special Forces training staff.
Eleanor followed Nick to Iowa, where she served as his assistant in a large animal veterinary practice. The couple met Dr. Charles and Sharon Hamner, who became their best friends, and arrived at Duke University, where Nick began his life journey as a professor and researcher. Soon after, both couples moved to Charlottesville, Virginia, where Nick served as a professor and department chair in the University of Virginia’s School of Medicine.
Eleanor was active in the Faculty Wives Club and the Shadwell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she served as vice regent. Eleanor spent countless hours volunteering in the Albemarle Public Schools, especially Woodbrook Elementary and Greenwood Elementary. She also served as a Cub Scout den mother alongside her close friend, Joy Johnson, and she was active with the Crozet Branch of the Jefferson Madison Regional Library.
Her most cherished accomplishments were her three sons: Nickolas Jr. (Lucy), Thomas, and Benjamin (Sarah), and supporting them in the raising of her grandchildren: Eleanor, Joseph, Anna and Margaret. Cliffdale, the family farm in Afton, Virginia, was her home for over 45 years, the last of which she was cared for by her son Thomas.
Eleanor is also survived by her brother, John Alton Cox Jr. (Inajo) and their sons, John and Michael, and their families. Eleanor was fortunate to have many special cousins including Margaret “Peggy” Richardson, June Goodwin and her daughter, Rebecca Feldman (Ed), as well as all of the Stanfield cousins and many others.
Eleanor’s favorite yearly events were vacationing at Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, with family, including Landon, Sue and Abigayle Harris, and spending time with family at the “Cousin Reunion” in Selma, North Carolina. The family wishes to thank all of her care providers over the past many months.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad at www.rescue1.org or the Western Albemarle Rescue Squad at www.westernrescue.org.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 27, 2023, at Monticello Memory Gardens in Charlottesville, Virginia, and a celebration of life will be announced in the future.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.
