Paulyn Mae Cox

Schenectady, NY- With love and gratitude for a life well lived, we share the passing of Paulyn Mae Cox, who peacefully departed this world on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the age of 95. Born in Oberlin, OH, on April 19, 1930, Paulyn arrived into the world with her beloved twin sister, Carolyn (1930–2016), as daughters of Lafayette Clinton and Magdalene Elizabeth (Jackson) Cox. Raised in Schenectady, NY, Paulyn graduated from Nott Terrace High School and went on to earn her teaching certification after attending SUNY Cobleskill (A.A.S. degree) and Ithaca College (B.A., 1958). She began her career as an elementary teacher in Oberlin and Grafton, OH, before returning the following year to her hometown of Schenectady to teach at St. Columba's School. In 1968, she began a 26-year teaching career at the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District in New York, where she taught until her retirement in 1994. Paulyn is listed in Who's Who Among American Teachers. Paulyn devoted her life to nurturing young minds as a passionate and dedicated teacher. Her student relationships were never just 1-year- they were her 'kids,' and that flourished beyond the immediate school year. A woman of deep faith, music, heart, and happiness, Paulyn was a lifelong member of Woestina Reformed Church, where she served joyfully in the choir for many decades - her voice blending harmoniously with her mother's piano playing. Church, family, and community were the cornerstones of her life. Her commitment to service was far-reaching, as she generously volunteered with and supported numerous organizations, including Brown School, the Pearl S. Buck Foundation, World Vision Children's Foundation, Schenectady Interfaith, and Schenectady Inner City Missions. She carried a sparkle in her eye and a sense of humor that could catch you off guard-often sharing a lollipop along with her signature smile. Paulyn was predeceased by her sisters Catherine J. Boyd and Carolyn M. Cox, and her brother Clinton L. Cox and grandniece, Jamie R. Boyd. She leaves behind a loving family who will carry her memory forward: nephews Len Parker (Rachel Baker) and Ralph Boyd, Jr. (Angela Boyd); grandnieces Kaitlin Boyd Boone (Gordon), Jessica Boyd Andrews (Brendan), and Maggie Boyd Tovsky (Aaron); and her grandnephews Dylan Parker and Jeremy Boyd. Her family has grown with additions of great grandnieces and grandnephews, and members of the Bennett, August and Baker families. A service to honor Paulyn's life will be held at Woestina Reformed Church, 1397 Main St., Rotterdam Junction, NY, on Monday, October 27th. Visitation and viewing will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a service and interment at 11:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow, and all who loved Paulyn are warmly invited to share stories, memories, and fellowship in her honor. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paulyn, please visit our floral store.