Shirley Rose Cox
November 18, 1946 ~ February 14, 2021
Shirley Rose Cox was born in Belle Plaine, Iowa on November 18th, 1946 to George and Wilma Mareda. She passed away on February 14th, 2021 in Wichita, Kansas due to progression of Alzheimer’s disease. She graduated from Mount Carmel Academy in 1964 and then obtained her bachelor’s degree in education at Wichita State University. She worked at the Campus library throughout her 4 years there. In 1971, she transferred to Emporia State University where she then obtained her master’s degrees in special education and psychology. While attending, she met her husband Ronald Cox, they then married in 1972 and both taught together at the Larned State Hospital. In 1974, they moved back to Wichita where she began her elementary teaching career at Price Elementary school. Shirley spent the remaining of her 30 year teaching career at School of the Magdalen teaching the 3rd grade. Her passion in life was teaching and her love for all children was unconditional. Her daughter Jennifer Rose was born in 1977 and her son Christopher George followed in 1981. Shirley loved talking for hours with her friends, laughing the night away; and listening to her favorite songs on repeat. Her faith in Christ was unwavering and attended mass almost daily when able.
Shirley dearly loved her five grandchildren: Alexandria, Braden, Jakob, Noah, and Karson; as well as her one great-granddaughter Sophia.
She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Wilma Mareda; sister, Susan Pappan. Survived by her husband, Ronald Cox; daughter, Jennifer (Keith) Parr; son, Christopher Cox; sister, Georgianne (Michael) Harrison; brothers, Richard (Marie) Mareda, Jim (Judy) Mareda; 5 grandchildren, and 1 great-granddaughter.
Visitation with the family will be at 2:00 pm; Rosary will be at 2:30 pm; Funeral Service will be at 3:00 pm, all Thursday, February 18, 2021 at Downing and Lahey East Mortuary.
Memorials have been established with: Alzheimer’s Association, 1820 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS, 67214; Home Health & Hospice of Kansas, 7607 E. Harry St., Wichita, KS 67207.
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Ron, Jennifer, Chris and family… oh, I am so sorry for your loss! She was certainly very special to me and I will never forget her comfort, prayers and love over the years… We saw each other through hard challenges. She had such a grateful spirit and thanked me for every gift including time together. She impacted many lives through her teaching. I know because I taught with her at School of the Magdalen where I met her. I especially love this card she sent which said “Dear Gretchen, There’s just no problem prayer and a little chocolate can’t solve.” Inside the card, “Okay, some problems require a lot of chocolate.” She gave me much joy and confort. She will not be forgotten.
Dr. Capper Ron, So sorry to read about the loss of your wife. You are in my thoughts.