Cox, Vanessa Marie Of Newton, MA, died from injuries sustained in a car accident in Milton, NH on February 12th, at the age of 31. She was a friend, daughter, sister, award-winning coach and athlete, as well as an Athletics Administrator at Brandeis University. Vanessa was born in Newton, MA on February 20th, 1983. Vanessa graduated from Newton North High School in 2001, University of Vermont in 2005, and Northeastern in 2011 with a M.S. in sports leadership. She was a four-year member of the Vermont lacrosse team, serving as captain her junior and senior seasons. She also competed for the Canadian National Women's Lacrosse Team in the 2009 and 2013 Lacrosse World Cups. Before joining the Brandeis Athletics Department in 2011, Vanessa was the women's lacrosse coach at MIT for four seasons where she was named NEWMAC Coach of the Year, the first such award in program history. Vanessa joined the Brandeis Athletics Department in October 2011 and was instrumental in the role of student-athlete recruitment for Brandeis as well as a key organizer of the Friends of Brandeis Athletics Hall of Fame ceremonies. Vanessa lived life to the fullest. She was an accomplished rock climber, and taught climbing at Brookline Boulders in Somerville. Vanessa was also a talented artist and enjoyed photography, hiking and skiing. Vanessa's friends and family would describe her as the thread that tied them all together – and will continue to. Her loving, compassionate spirit and unforgettable smile will not soon be forgotten. She is survived by her parents, Vincent and Micheline Cox of Boston, her brother, Brandon Cox of Brookline, her uncle and aunt George Bolduc and Maurine Joy of Brunswick, ME, along with many aunts and uncles from Bowdoinham, ME; Jennifer, Deborah, Lori, Danny, Merle, and Jim; Grandparents and cousins in Great Britain and Maine, and predeceased by her grandparents Medora and Louis Bolduc of Westford, MA. Visiting hours will be for family and close friends on Tuesday evening. A mass will be held at Grace Episcopal Church at 76 Eldredge St. in Newton Corner on Wednesday at a time not yet determined. Please check the website of the Magni Funeral Home in Newton for more details on exact timing. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. A lifelong lover of animals, Vanessa was a strong supporter of the MSPCA and in particular, Angell Memorial Animal Hospital. In lieu of flowers, her mother, Mimi, her father, Vincent, her brother, Brandon, her dog, Ollie, and her cat, Molly, kindly request a donation be made in her memory to the Vanessa Cox Memorial Fund at Angell http://support.mspca.org/goto/vanessacox.

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Published by Boston Globe from Feb. 15 to Feb. 16, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for VANESSA COX

33 Entries

Dennis Martinek

February 9, 2025

Ten years and I´m still so sad about the loss of Vanessa. What a great person she was, always making the light shine each day and helping those around her to smile.

Dennis Martinek

February 9, 2023

I've worked with many people throughout my life, but I have to say that Vanessa had the greatest, longest-lasting impact on me. The way that she spoke with people, the way she carried herself, and made us all laugh...I still think about it when certain situations present themselves. I was honored to know and work with Vanessa, and through her, to get to know her dad, Vince. Missing you all of these years later. No one who knew you will ever forget you...we carry your memories with us everyday.

Dennis Martinek

February 9, 2022

It hardly seems seven years since we lost the wonderful Vanessa. A great friend, a great colleague, and a terrific human being. You're always in my thoughts, the impact you made in such a short time made such a big difference to this world. It's not the same without you, 'Nessy.

Andrew Ziomek

February 26, 2015

Mr. and Mrs. Cox and Family,

I cannot express how sorry I am to hear of Vanessa's passing. It was my privilege to have taught both Vanessa and Brandon at NNHS.
She was a "rock star" in my class. She will be missed.

Patrick Barragn

February 25, 2015

Family and friends,

I am the pole vault coach at MIT. Although I didn't work with Vanessa directly, I knew her for years and years while she was there. One thing I knew about her was her kindness and understanding. It may seem trivial, but our interactions were always over space constraints. At MIT, the pole vaulters and lacrosse teams shared space during the winter. When it was the time for us to switch each day, instead of storming on to the field demanding the space at the exact second or fighting to have more or less time on the infield, Vanessa would have the girls warm up and give us a few extra minutes. She would come and talk to me when she needed to get in a little early or when she could offer some of her practice to for us to stay a little late.

It may not seem like much, but I remember at least that she seemed to be all about all of our athletes, all of our sports, and the entire department. No selfishness. And tons of empathy.

I'm sorry that you've experienced this loss. I personally believe that we'll all be together again one day. I hope your memories, family, and friends help until then.

God bless

Elizabeth Minchella-Russell

February 24, 2015

Vincent,
I am so sorry for your devastating loss. It's been many years since we worked together, but I still remember the way you would light up when you talked about Vanessa and all of her accomplishments. What a inspiring women. May you find comfort in her memory and may you always have pride in the child you raised and shared with the world. Prayers sent to you and your family.

Nancy Turner (client)

February 23, 2015

Vincent and Family:
You spoke of Vanessa with such love and pride. My deepest sympathy to you and your
family.

February 23, 2015

So sorry for your loss, Vincent. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Best, Howard Cloth

February 22, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Foote

Peter Wassyng

February 21, 2015

Vinnie,Mimi and family.. I am so saddened by your tragic loss...I only met her when she was a very young child and I am so impressed by all she accomplished in such a short life...a very special woman who made a difference in so many women's lives..I know how much you loved and cherished her..my prayers are with you.....

February 19, 2015

So very sorry for your loss. May her beautiful memories forever fill your hearts.
Carolyn Signore and Daniel Signore.

February 19, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Henry & Janice Massar

May Orfali

February 19, 2015

Dear Vinny Cox and Family,
Words can not express how sad I am for your loss. May you have guidance from Vanessa and her beautiful strength to carry on her legacy in life . Be brave .. Be strong and carry on. With all my love

Lauren Rodda

February 19, 2015

Vanessa was not only my coach at MIT for 4 years, but also an incredible leader and mentor to me. She inspire me and my teammates to always work harder and strive for bigger and better things. I know her loss is felt deeply by all her former and current players. My sincere condolences.

Ray Ahrens

February 19, 2015

Mimi, Vinnie, Brandon:
There's sadness, but I prefer to remember the good times.
It was a summer cookout. Vinnie was barbecuing, Mimi organizing the table, and my son and his cocky buddy were acting up. Repeated demands to behave were giddily being ignored. Suddenly the two boys were sitting like angels. Throughout the dinner the boys acted like gentlemen, but when they politely thanked Mimi, I knew something was up and on the ride home they "fessed-up." Having heard my inept attempts to rein the boys in, Vanessa had simply walked over to them and laid down the law. "Behave or else," was the short version. These were not wimpy boys; they were older than Vanessa and destined for athletic greatness. But Vanessa at eight years old already knew how to "bring the fear." No punches were delivered but the boys knew Vanessa was no girl to mess with.

We should have known then that Vanessa was destined to become a lacrosse star. She was tough but understood the comradely of sports and the joys of coaching. We'll miss you Vanessa--may your spirit live on in family and friends.

Love
Sara, Ray, Dylan, & Stephanie Ahrens

February 18, 2015

I truly believe in Angels on Earth and I believe that Vanessa will ALWAYS be with us.
Kevin Dudley, Wilbraham, Mass.

February 18, 2015

Dear Mr. and Mrs Cox and family,

I met your beloved Vanessa in September when I began some consulting work at Brandeis and I knew from the moment I met her she was special. She walked me around campus for a few hours and we quickly bonded over growing up in Newton, attending NNHS and both being recent athlete inductees in the NNHS Hall of Fame. She always greeted me with a warm smile and a welcoming way when I arrived at the athletics office. I know she will be deeply missed by her Brandeis family. My sincerest condolences,
June Ferestien

Marni Hoyle

February 18, 2015

Dear Cox Family -
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Vanessa at MetraTech before she wisely went back to grad school and on to a continued record-breaking career in lacrosse where she inspired so many. She was a true leader. My heart is breaking and my thoughts are with you.

Stephen Pitrowski

February 18, 2015

Vinny, my heart has been so heavy for you since receiving the news. I trust that all the fond memories you have of and with Vanessa will now be magnified and I hope it's these memories that help you get through this period and cope. Wishing you well.

February 18, 2015

Please accept my condolences.

Sincerely,

Helen O'Neil
Boston

Joanne Thomson, Canadian Lacrosse Association

February 18, 2015

Dear Cox Family,
On behalf of the Canadian Lacrosse Association please accept our sincere condolences in the loss of Vanessa last week. We have been terribly saddened by this news and send our thoughts to your family at this very difficult time. Vanessa was of course a very valued member of Team Canada at the past 2 World Championships and she will be missed by her team mates and the entire team here at the Canadian Lacrosse Association.
Kind Regards,
Joanne Thomson
Executive Director, CLA

February 18, 2015

Micheline and family,
Reading about Vanessa and the comments from Brandon you can't help but feel the love you have as a family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pam and Richard Jackson

February 18, 2015

Dear Vincent and Family,

I am so deeply sorry about your profound loss. I know from the way you talked about her that Vanessa was genuinely a star.

My prayers for you and Vanessa and your family are with you.

The following quote is from Stephen Spendor

" I think continuously of those who
were truly great
The names of those who in their lives
fought for life,
who wore in their hearts the fire's center.
Born of the sun, they traveled
a short while towards the sun
And left a vivid air signed
with their honor."

Love and Prayers,
Judy Kenson

Kissy Rowley

February 18, 2015

Vincent, Mimi, Brandon, Ollie and Mollie-- I am so profoundly sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter and sister, Vanessa. I am praying for all of you and send strength, courage and a hug of support. Her light still shines on. Vanessa always was and will be leader by example. Gone too soon but never forgotten. My love to all.

February 18, 2015

Dear Brandon and Family,
Know that you are all in our thoughts at this very difficult time.
Valorie Masak, Baker School

February 16, 2015

To the Cox Family, I know from experience that your loss is immeasurable and that you will miss Vanessa's beautiful smiling face and wonderful heart for your lifetime. She clearly had a rare and special charisma. There are no words to express the lasting impact that this tragedy will have. My heart goes out to your entire family in your grief. Please take some comfort in knowing that one day smiles will replace the pain of missing her.
Sincerely,
Sally Jo Pollard

Nancy Gallagher

February 16, 2015

Vinnie and family, There are no words to express our sadness upon hearing about the loss of your beautiful, talented and loving daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Tom and Nancy Gallagher

Richard DiGianni

February 16, 2015

My deepest sympathies to the Cox family. No words can possibly express what you are dealing with right now. Vanessa was a beautiful and wonderful young lady.

Stephanie Leger

February 16, 2015

Coach Cox was a phenomenal coach and an even greater mentor. It was a privilege to have played for her and an honor to have known her. She was an immeasurable influence that helped me become who I am today and for that I will forever be thankful. Sending my deepest condolences to friends and family.

Francie Sheehan

February 16, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart hurts when I think of your family''s loss. My thought are with you.

Nancy Safar

February 16, 2015

Vanessa was a wonderful girl and I am so saddened to hear about her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Kathy Pollard

February 16, 2015

Dear Cox Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter and sister Vanessa. I did not know her but from what I have heard, and read here, she was a wonderful person. Having lost, also unexpectedly, a beloved brother at 34, I can relate to what you are going through. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences. May memories and love sustain you in this difficult time. Sincerely, Kathy Pollard

Dennis Martinek

February 16, 2015

Vanessa was the sweetest, most humble and caring person I've ever met in my work career. She felt comfortable talking with you about anything and everything. I loved teasing her about her Canadian heritage, eh? Her and Brendon at work always kidding each other to the point it had me laughing constantly. And those eyes. A beautiful person, inside and out. I'm honored to have known Vanessa. Until we meet again.

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