Great grandmother, devoted Catholic, English teacher

Margaret Mary (Mackenzie) Cox died peacefully at age 99 on August 29 at her home in Claremont, surrounded by family and her caregiver, Betty Leon.

She was born September 29, 1918 in Lake Linden, Michigan to parents Clarissa (Kappler) Mackenzie and Roy Mackenzie. Her family moved to Norfolk, Virginia during her youth.

Later they headed west to Southern California where young Margaret graduated from Los Angeles’ St. Mary’s Academy, and then from the University of California at Los Angeles, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Soon after, she met US Navy lieutenant Wayne R. Cox at a USO dance during World War II. They married two years later, and raised their family in Claremont.

Ms. Cox, a middle school English teacher, taught for 25 years in the Charter Oak Unified School District. Her husband Wayne made her proud in his work as project manager and general contractor, overseeing such projects as the Crystal Cathedral (now Christ Cathedral) in Garden Grove and portions of Disneyland in Anaheim.

Ms. Cox served on the board of the San Gabriel Region of Catholic Charities, and was a member of the Assistance League of Pomona Valley. In her Claremont parish, Our Lady of the Assumption, she dedicated time with the church’s religious education program, tutoring special needs students and attending daily mass.

Her time with family experiencing the beauty in life through music, ballet and nature was a lifelong influence. Of all her accomplishments, she most valued her devotion to her faith, family and friends. Her life’s enjoyments included entertaining in her home, holiday baking, needlepoint, listening to music, reading, completing crossword puzzles, playing bridge, enjoying her gardens, writing letters and playing the harp and piano.

Ms. Cox was preceded in death by her loving husband, Wayne Cox, and her brother, Donald Mackenzie.

She is survived by her children, Kathleen Manchuk (Greg), Wayne R. Cox, Jr., Marianne Irwin (James) and Monsignor Gregory A. Cox; grandchildren Guy, Joanna, Gregory, Annette, Hannah, Michelle and Lucy; and great-grandchildren William and Greyson.

A Funeral Mass will be held at noon Saturday, September 22 at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 611 W. Bonita Ave., Claremont, with Monsignor Gregory A. Cox officiating. A reception will follow.