Kathleen "Claire" Cox

Kathleen Cox, fondly known as Claire, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026. Born on January 15, 1943, in Cloone, County Leitrim, Ireland, Claire was the cherished daughter of Margaret and James Reynolds. She was the ninth of eleven children, and her life was shaped by a deep sense of family, love, and dedication.

Claire is survived by Patrick, her loving husband of 59 years, and their daughter, Kerry and her husband, Gerard Marsh. Claire leaves behind her beloved granddaughters, Alexandra and her fiancé, TJ Downey, and Kendall and her husband, Thomas DePriest. Claire is also survived by her brother, Kevin Reynolds, and her countless nieces and nephews around the globe. She was predeceased by her parents and nine of her ten siblings, who welcomed her with open arms into eternity.

In 1963, Claire came to the United States and settled in Inwood, New York, where she worked alongside her sisters at the Capitol Restaurant. In 1964, she met the love of her life, Patrick Cox, at a dance at the Red Mill. Two of the best dancers in the room had found each other. Claire and Patrick married in February 1967 and welcomed their only child, Kerry, that November. In 1973, they moved to River Vale, New Jersey, where they built a wonderful life together. For many years, Claire worked alongside Patrick in their New York City bar businesses, always by his side. Claire later worked as a nurse and caregiver, where her kindness and compassion touched many lives. Generous and selfless, she was always willing to help anyone in need.

Throughout their life together, Claire and Patrick called many places home, beginning in Inwood and the Bronx, New York, before moving to River Vale and later Neptune, New Jersey. Their journey eventually took them to Hernando, Florida, and later to Moore, South Carolina. Wherever they lived, they created a home filled with love and family.

Claire's greatest joy was her family, particularly her cherished granddaughters, Alexandra and Kendall. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to their care, nurturing them with boundless love and affection. Claire's family was the core of her existence, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

A passionate fan of baseball, Claire was a devoted supporter of the New York Yankees. She loved watching the games and cheering enthusiastically for her favorite team, especially her beloved “Captain,” Derek Jeter. Although she never officially became an American citizen, Claire certainly embraced her adopted country’s pastimes and opinions. She followed American politics closely and was remarkably knowledgeable about government policies, never hesitating to share her strong views on how the country should be run. In many ways, she may not have had an American passport, but she certainly had an American spirit, and a Yankees loyalty card to prove it.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Claire's memory to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, an organization that is close to their heart.

Visitation for Claire will be held at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675, US, on September 25, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Gabriel the Archangel's Roman Catholic Church, 88 E Saddle River Rd, Saddle River, NJ 07458, US, on September 26, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Interment will follow at Maryrest Cemetery & Mausoleum, 770 Darlington Ave, Mahwah, NJ 07430, US, on September 26, 2026, at 11:30 am.