Patricia A. Cox's Obituary
On November 4, 2023, Pat Cox passed away peacefully at the age of 92.
Pat was born May 7, 1931 in Ithaca, New York. She was adopted as an infant by
Hugh & Winifred Williams, through the Cornell University’s Home Economics
Program where she was a “Practice Baby” and cared for by a group of “Practice
Mothers.” She recently discovered and met with her biological family.
Because her parents were missionaries, Pat had some interesting travels during
her childhood. She lived in New York, Vermont, and Puerto Rico where she went
to both English and Spanish speaking classes. She came back to the United
States for her senior year and attended Stadium High School, Class of 1948, in
Tacoma, WA. She went on to receive her BA in Home Economics at the College
of Puget Sound, Class of 1952, before starting work as a Home Economist at
Puget Power in Puyallup. After leaving Puget Power in 1973, she wrote a column
for the Kirkland Courier, posting her favorite recipes and cooking tips.
Pat married Richard (Dick) Russell in 1951, and moved to Puyallup. They had 2
children; Bruce & Gayle. Pat was the owner of Cedar Lane Collies, where she
bred and showed her dogs. Many of her dogs became champions. In 1971, Pat
and Dick divorced. Then in 1973, she married Kennedy (Ken) B Cox who had 3
daughters; Susan, Marcia (deceased) and Jill. Ken’s work took them to
Bremerton, Bellingham, Redmond, and finally they settled in Kirkland. They
moved to Wesley Lea Hill in Auburn, after Ken was diagnosed with dementia.
They were married for 37 years until Ken’s passing in 2010. Ken & Pat were
active members of the Bellevue Presbyterian Church, where she made many
beautiful flower arrangements for the Sunday worship services. Pat continued to
meet with fellow home economists for many years. She was also Chairman of
the Culinary Committee at Wesley Lea Hill.
Pat is survived by her children: Bruce Russell and Gayle Arruda (Marvin);
Grandchildren: Abby Holman (Walt), Christopher Arruda and Maile Arruda. Great
Grandchildren: Taylor Brown (Clint), Elizabeth Hargrove (Zach), Dale Holman
and Ethan Arruda; Great Great Grandchildren: Desmond Hargrove, Athena
Hargrove, and Evelyn Brown. Her brother Robert Williams (Ruth); Step
daughters Susan Harvey (Chuck), Jill Nicks (Jim) and their families. Also,
Anthony Joyce and Marica Kinne (Jason).
The family would like to express our gratitude to the staff at St Francis Hospital
and ER in Federal Way; Wesley Hospice and the caregivers, nurses and staff at
Wesley Lea Hill. Your loving care will not be forgotten. You are God’s angels on
earth. Thank you for making our mother comfortable in her final days.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
www.alz.org
Alzheimer’s Poem
Do not ask me to remember
Do not try to make me understand
Let me rest and know you’re with me
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand
I’m confused beyond your concept
I am sad and sick and lost
All I know is that I need you to be
with me at all cost
Do not lose your patience with me
Do not scold or curse my cry
I can’t help the way I’m acting
Can’t be different though I try
Just remember that I need you
That the best of me is gone
Please don’t fail to stand beside me
Love me till my life is done
What’s your fondest memory of Patricia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Patricia?
Share a story where Patricia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Patricia you’ll never forget.
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