Obituary of Shirley J. Cox

Shirley J. Cox (Pentz), 78, of Collegeville, PA passed away on Thursday, December 31, 2020.

She was born in Norristown, PA, on September 15, 1942.  Shirley was a lifelong Collegeville resident.  She was a graduate of St. Eleanor’s School, Norristown High School, and Sacred Heart School of Nursing. 

She was a devoted parishioner of St. Eleanor’s RC Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and founded the Rose for Life Program. 

Shirley worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at various nursing homes, most recently St. Mary Manor of Lansdale.

She was an avid gardener, where her gardens flourished with roses, hydrangea, and rare iris, amongst other bounty. Shirley also enjoyed reading historical fiction, cooking, and time spent on the beach in Rehoboth Beach, DE.  She always looked forward to Thursdays, when she and granddaughter Madeline would giggle, have tea parties, and create masterpieces with Play-doh. In the morning, she could always be found on her back deck, sipping her coffee while observing all the birds flocking her elaborate bird feeders and fountains. Shirley was the epitome of someone who “never met a stranger.” Whether it was a friend of her son or a random shopper at the grocery store, you always left the interaction with a warm heart, a smile, and a new friend.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Josephine (Leskuski) Schroeder and her step father,  Fulton Schroeder.

Shirley is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 52 years, Robert E. Cox, Jr. of Collegeville;

son, Matthew (& Victoria) Cox of Worcester;

brother, Barry Schroeder of Collegeville;

and granddaughter, Madeline Cox. 

She is also survived by a cousin, Walter Leskuski, Jr. of Frederick, MD and brother-in-law, Ronald (& Lynn) Cox of  Loogootee, IN. 

Her Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 10:30 AM in St. Eleanor's RC Church, 647 Locust Street, Collegeville, PA 19426.

Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing on Thursday, January 7, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 West Main Street, Trappe, PA 19426. 

The family asks that you please wear a mask and maintain social distancing during the viewing and Mass.  If you are unable to join them in person, the Mass will be live streamed and available at the following link: http://joyfulfilms.com/portfolio/funeral-mass-of-shirley-cox/

Interment will take place in St. Ann's Cemetery, Phoenixville, PA.  

Due to Covid restrictions there will be no reception at this time. However, the family will schedule a luncheon in the summer months. Details to be shared at a future date. 

The family would appreciate memorial contributions made in Shirley’s name to St. Eleanor Church at the above address or Birthright, 327 King St., Pottstown, PA 19464.  

Arrangements by Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 West Main Street, Trappe, PA, (610) 489-7900.
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