Obituary of Marie A. Cox

Marie A. Cox, age 93, of North Plainfield. NJ passed away gently and peacefully on Thursday, April 16, 2020. Marie was the eldest of three daughters born in 1926 to Angelo and Theresa Sansone who emigrated from Italy in the 1920’s. Marie became the family translator for her parents who spoke little English. In fact, Marie repeated kindergarten as her first language was Italian. As soon as she was able to master English, she helped her parents navigate the world of commerce for her father’s produce and fruit business. Marie attended Mount St. Mary Academy in Watchung, NJ (Class of 1944) and was grateful and proud of the lifelong education she received as a “Mount Girl.” She often quoted the wisdom she gained at the Mount and it was evident that she took the teachings to heart. When WWII ended Marie began working at Calco in Bound Brook. While at work she caught the eye of a handsome young man, John D. Cox, a recent honorably discharged U.S. Marine (proud to have served at Iwo Jima). Marie’s sweet demeanor and shy smile quickly captivated John. To gain Marie’s favor and attention, John decided to put live grasshoppers in a large envelope to be opened by Marie at her work desk. She was not only won over by John’s creatively fun sense of humor and charming personality but then eloped with John after four dates! They honeymooned in Asbury Park, NJ in 1946 and then returned home to tell her parents that she was married. While saving for their first home Marie and John lived with her parents and four years later they were blessed with a baby girl, Laraine, and a new home in South Plainfield. Twenty-three months later baby girl Claire arrived and became Laraine’s playmate and co-conspirator. The family then moved to North Plainfield in 1955. Marie’s life centered on “The 3 F’s”…Faith, Family and Friendships. She volunteered in numerous organizations on behalf of her daughters including the PTA, Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, North Plainfield High School Band Parents, and frequently chaperoned for school functions. The love of music and singing led Marie to join The Sweet Adelines and John to join a Barbershop Quartet. Both sang in competitions and met lifelong friends who shared their passion for music. Marie and John were a faith-filled Christian couple dedicated to each of their churches and were tireless helpers and volunteers. Marie’s favorite question was “How can I help?” Marie was a parishioner at St. Bernard’s Church in Plainfield and St. Joseph’s Church in North Plainfield. She was the 1982 Rosarian of the Year. To new brides, Marie was known over the years for giving her own personally embroidered tablecloths as wedding gifts. She embroidered late into the evening on many nights for years as she waited for her daughters to come home from dates while making sure they were safe and in for the night. A generous heart was Marie’s trademark and she was filled with a prayer attitude of gratitude. Hosting large family gatherings frequently included others who needed a “family” to share food and fellowship. There was always room at the table for more people and when you left Marie’s home you felt both welcomed as a friend and left as a treasured family member. After John’s death in 1999, Marie spent much time with Laraine and Claire’s families and insisted on treating to frequent dinners out which she justified by exclaiming, “It beats cooking!” She became known to neighbors and friends as the lady who baked angel food cakes for any occasion. There were always several extra new umbrellas in her car to give to surprised strangers “just in case it was raining.” She was not afraid to pull over her car and give the gift of a new umbrella to anyone in need. Marie was pre-deceased by John, her devoted husband of 53 years and her sister Madeline. She is survived by loving daughters Laraine Reedy (Tom) and Claire Krusch (Alan), grandchildren David Krusch (Jaime), Daniel Krusch, Jonathan Reedy (Kari), and Meredith Molinaro (Michael), a great granddaughter, Zoe, a faithful sister Josephine Welter and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held when it is safe for family and friends to gather to remember and cherish Marie’s life. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Marie’s name to Star Fish, Inc., PO Box 2822, Plainfield, NJ 07062-0822, a local food bank, would be greatly appreciated.