Joan Cox

Joan (Toohey) Cox 92 of East Haven passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025 at Yale New Haven Hospital with her children by her side. She was born August 28, 1932 in New Haven to John and Mary (McNamara) Toohey. Joan is survived by six of her eight loving and devoted children; Patricia Cox of East Haven, Elaine Thomas (Roy) of Torrance, CA, Joan Lucas (Billy Gormley) of East Haven, Ellen Clements (Robert) of Villas, NJ, Frances Arsenault (widow of Ricky Arsenault) of East Haven, Maureen Monaghan (Michael) of Guilford and Daughter in Law Alicia Colon Cox (widow of Thomas) Preceding her in death were her two sons Thomas Cox (2021) and Michael Cox (2024). Joan also leaves behind eight grandchildren she adored; Bazin Girma, Enderyas Girma, Megan Lucas, Richard Sgrignari (Mike), Lauren Clements (Emily), Maggie Kaelble (Sean), Sean Monaghan and Kelsey Gorski (Dave) and five great grandchildren; Patrick Harrison, Bradley Harrison, Liam Harrison, Shiloh Girma and Parker Kaelble. Joan was also preceded in death by her husband, Elwood "Babe" Cox (2015), a brother, John Toohey and two sisters, Teresa Dombrowski and Mary Morann. Joan worked various part time jobs throughout her life while devoting her time to her eight children. She enjoyed her time with her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. She was a great cook and baker. Her macaroni and cheese was a constant request along with her homemade waffles and gingersnaps. The only thing she may have enjoyed more was her trips to the casino. Joan was a devout Catholic and spent many years on the Ladies Guild and donated her time making bagged lunches for the homeless through the midnight run program. She donated to many charities monthly, sending aid for everything from animals to veteran's. Family will receive friends on Saturday March 8, 2025 at the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave East Haven from 9 AM until 10:30 AM at which time her procession will leave the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home for a 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, 80 Taylor Ave., East Haven with Committal/Burial to follow at St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Blvd., Virginia Beach VA 23443-8000 in memory of Joan Cox or your favorite charity. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan, please visit our floral store.