Barbara S. Cox, 75, of Derry NH died Saturday, September 10, 2011, surrounded by her family. Barbara was born on April 1, 1936 in Hamburg, New York to the late Richard and Catherine (Rogers) Schmidt. She attended Cortland State University, where she met her husband, Gerry, in 1954. She and her family lived in Montpelier VT and South Kingstown RI before settling in Derry in 1963. Barbara had an undeniable joie de vivre and eternal optimism which made her a pleasure to be around. She loved music and often whistled or hummed when not playing the piano, singing, or listening to the radio. In Barbara’s care, everything blossomed. From the plants, flowers, vegetables, and herbs that grew inside and outside her home, to her five children (and all of their friends!) and nine grandchildren. She was a decades-long member of the Derry Garden Club. She epitomized the saying, “If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it.” Perpetually busy, Barbara never turned down a request for help. She coordinated church and community events, participated in school activities, and had a wide range of hobbies. Her knack for knitting and crocheting (afghans and sweaters, in particular) was a gift to countless friends, family members, and charitable organizations.
Barbara worked in a variety of jobs from hospital switchboard operator to newspaper tube route driver for the Lawrence Eagle-Tribune to restaurant supply purchasing agent. She wrote the “Derry Doings” column for The Derry News for many years. The town administrators didn’t realize when they hired Gerry as the first full-time Parks & Recreation Director that they were getting a de facto Assistant Director in Barbara. Not only did she help with department activities (like baking hundreds of turkey-shaped cookies for the annual Turkey Trot), she was instrumental in the conversion of the old West Side School into a vibrant community center. Her contributions to the creation of the Thrift Shop are still evident today.
Barbara is predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Gerald H. Cox. She is survived by her loving children, Gerry Cox of Long Beach CA, Chris (and Shirley) Cox of Derry, Sean (and Debbi) Cox of Derry, Cathy (and Tim) Frankel of Penacook NH, and Kelly (and Ted) Semple of Portsmouth NH. She delighted in being “Grandma” to Andrew (and Peg) Frankel, Caitlin Cox, Joshua Cox, Megan Frankel, Daniel Cox, Ariel Frankel, Courtney Cox, Samantha Cox, and Ryan Cox. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Paul, of Clarence NY, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Bob.
There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 18th at 1:00pm at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 63 East Broadway in Derry. Donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to the Derry Garden Club, 48 Goodhue Road, Derry NH 03038, St. Luke's Church at 63 East Broadway, Derry NH 03038, or the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington DC 20090- 6011. In honor of Barbara’s lifelong love of gardening, her family encourages everyone to plant something!