Geraldine A. Cox

Geraldine A. (McGrath) Cox, 84, of Fairhaven died Saturday, October 25, 2025 at home after a long illness. She was the wife of the late Francis J. Cox, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Felix and Madeline (Tripp) McGrath, she lived in New Bedford until 1978 when she moved to Fairhaven where she resided for the rest of her life.

She was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church in Fairhaven, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Geraldine attended the Wilfred Academy of Hair in Boston and later worked as a hairdresser at Cherry & Webb prior to meeting Francis. She and Francis married on February 24, 1962 and had three children. Together they ran the family business, Dorothy Cox Chocolates, which was established in 1928 by Francis' great-aunt, Dorothy. Along with their children, they continuted to help run the business until 2023 when Francis passed away. Geraldine continuted to come to the store until her illness stopped her from doing so in 2024.

She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, member of the New England Retail Confectioners Association, and member of Retail Confectioners International.

During their marriage Geraldine and Francis travelled extensively, with some of their adventures taking them to Switzerland, Hawaii, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Chicago. They also travelled to candy conventions all over the United States.

She is survived by three children, Francis Cox, Jr. and his wife Shirley, Dorothy Cox, and Timothy Cox and his wife Tina; her brother, Felix McGrath, Jr. and his wife Jeannie; six grandchildren, Mathew Cox and his wife Jen, Jonathan Cox and his wife Chevrie, Brian Cox and his wife Colleen, Todd Cox, Kathryn Cox, and Tara Cox; five great-grandchildren, Harper, Willow, Sadie, Henry, and Amelia Cox; four nieces; and many cousins.

Geraldine's family would like to thank Community Nurse Home Care for the compassionate care provided to her during her illness, as well as the many friends who took time to sit with her.

Her Funeral will be held Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10 AM at St. Joseph's Church, Fairhaven. Burial will follow in Cushing Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Tuesday, October 28th from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Geraldine's memory may be made to M.O.L.I.F.E., 43 Daniel St., Fairhaven, MA 02719 or online at www.molifeinc.com. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.