For Gloria Fox it mattered not whether she was saddled atop a majestic horse, perched high upon its four legs ready to gallop off on a ride in the sunshine, or if she were entrusted with a litter of newborn cute, fuzzy, but helpless raccoons in need of a lifeline for survival, or anything and everything in between for that matter. If it was one of God’s creatures, great or small, Gloria Fox took an instant love to it and offered it her undivided attention and care for its well-being. You could indeed say that Gloria was an animal’s best friend.
Gloria J. Fox, 85, of Blackstone died Friday June 19, 2026 at home. She was the wife of the late John R. Fox. Born and raised in Woonsocket she was a daughter of the late Lauria “Leo” Tancrede and Marie-Rose (Forget) Tancrede.
In her early years Gloria worked at Milford Shoe Corporation. She was employed with Jolly Jumper Corporation in Blackstone for many years before retiring. Gloria was a longtime communicant of St Paul’s Church at Divine Mercy parish in Blackstone.
As a member of the Boots & Saddles Club, Gloria was immersed in the world of horses. Beginning with her very first horse named “Jubilee”, she was head-over-heels in love with horses, as well as all animals, throughout her life. She was involved in riding atop her horses for as long as she could mount well into her golden years. Her love and care of animals extended well beyond the equine world to include her donkey aptly named “J.J.” Gloria also care for many raccoons and even was once sought after (via the Blackstone police of all folks!) to care for and reintroduce to the wild a litter of raccoons after the loss of their mother and habitat. Gloria nurtured and cared for them until they could be set free into the woods. Gloria also was skilled at ceramics and enjoyed going bowling.
Gloria will be remembered as a strong-willed and independent lady who knew her own mind as she cared for those closest to her in life. She met life’s challenges with her own special sense of determination all while looking on the bright side!
Gloria is survived by her son Mark Cornell of and a granddaughter Aowyn Cornell both of Tampa, FL. She was the sister of Frannie Mencarini of Manville and Sylvia Daignault of FL and the late Armand, Aldor and Roger “Sonny” Tancrede, Muriel King, Lucille Goulet, Doris Ethier, Margaret Tancrell, Shirley Brousseau, Lorraine Minot and Violet Lajoie. Gloria is also survived by her extended family of many nieces, nephews and cousins and their families. She was the former wife of Donald Cornell and is also survived by her longtime best friend Nancy Cardin and her family all of Blackstone.
Everyone is invited to gather to honor, remember and pray for Gloria at her funeral Friday June 26th at 9:00 am from the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Paul’s Church at Divine Mercy Parish in Blackstone. Gloria will be laid to rest alongside her husband John at St. Paul’s Cemetery. Visiting hours are Friday from 5-7 pm.
In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Gloria, please do a good deed or say a kind word to someone and remember to be kind to animals, as Gloria would say, “They are people too ! “
www.menardfuneralhome.com