Wife of former Finance Minister Eugene Cox, F. Alinda Cox, has died at the age of 81.

Mrs. Cox, often called Lady Cox, taught for more than 40 years. She is survived by her daughter, Deputy Premier Paula Cox, and two sons, Jeremy Cox and Robert Cox. Her husband, Eugene, died in 2004 after a battle with cancer.

Last night, Paula Cox told The Royal Gazette: "She was a woman with a passion for family, a passion for educating young people and a passion for her friends. No one could have asked for a better mother.

"She was the consummate mother, wife and friend. As someone told me today in church this morning she was a wonderful woman of faith. We got the best of her as a family as she loved us all, without fear or favour and unreservedly. However, her family extended far beyond her nuclear family."

"She spoke increasingly of my dad, especially at the end, and for those of us who have faith we derive comfort at the prospect that these two virtually inseparable lovers can now be reunited."

Jeremy Cox called his mother a "masterful teacher for more than 45 years, a marriage partner who walked with my father, not ahead and certainly not behind, and an incredible mother who understood that parenting brings with it tremendous responsibility."

Robert Cox said she was a mother who stood and delivered for her children.

"She was cherished by all of us," he said.

Government Backbencher Randy Horton, who worked with Mrs. Cox during her time with Bermuda College, said that she had made a significant contribution in the field of education.

"She was a lady who set a standard in this country," said Mr. Horton.