Clara Edith Cox (Brown)

About Clara

Clara Edith Cox, 74, will be remembered for her servant leadership, her devotion to her Christian faith, her commitment to family, and her kind and caring spirit. She died peacefully on February 11, 2021 at Johanna Shores Nursing Home in Arden Hills, MN.

Clara Edith Cox, néeBrown, was born December 16, 1946 in Sidney, NY to parents J. Howard and R. Helen Brown. Clara was the 6thof 8 children. She graduated as the Salutatorian of Norwich Central School in 1964. She was a member of the school choir, the student director of a choir production, the Secretary, and later, the Treasury of the Student Council, as well as co-editor of the yearbook. A classmate described Clara as thoughtful, gracious and always kind... qualities she kept throughout her life.

As a SUNY Oswego first year, Clara met Victor S. Cox Jr., a Cornell University student. The two married September 3, 1966, moved to Stillwater, OK where Vic was doing graduate work, and later to Colombia, MO for Vic to finish his fellowship. Clara, as a new Mom to Victor Stuart III (Stuart), graduated in 1969 with her bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in Education from University of Missouri. Vic and Clara’s family grew further with the birth of Barbara and Catherine, and as foster parents to sisters Cody and Kendra Welch. In 1975, Vic and Clara, with their 5 children, moved to Arden Hills, MN. In the 5 decades Clara lived in Arden Hills, common themes kept her busy: family, faith, church, service to others, and her commitment to teaching.

Clara was an active leader of Bible Study Fellowship in White Bear Lake for over three decades. She was Class Administrator and Assistant Teaching Leader for most of those years. In addition, Clara taught as a substitute teacher for Mounds View District 621 from 1985 to 2010. At home, Clara was a gracious host to a revolving door of guests, including U of MN students from all parts of the world, as well as teaching English as a second language to trailing spouses of international students. This global focus extended to travel; she and Vic visited Europe, the Middle East, Asia, north Africa, and central & South America.

Most of all, Clara prioritized family. While raising her children, she could be counted on to chaperone class trips, drive to gatherings with friends, or cheer at any & every sporting event. She absolutely doted on her 7 grandchildren and no matter the circumstances, lit up in smiles to see any of them.

Clara was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2009, but even as this disease advanced and her abilities deteriorated, her pure heart and gracious spirit shone through. Clara is survived by her husband of 54 years, Vic; her children: Stuart (Kelli) Cox, Barbara Cox (Joe Bagnoli), and Catherine (Brad) Draper. She was exceedingly proud of her grandchildren: Thea, Tor, Bella, and Finn Cox; and Thomas, Michael, and Clara Ann Bagnoli. She is also survived by her brothers Jim (Helen) Brown and Tim (Betsy) Brown; sisters Louanna (David) Watt and Sylvia (Randy) Adam; as well as several nieces and nephews. Clara was preceded in death by her brother David, her parents, Howard and Helen Brown, and sisters Carolyn Prouty and Nancy Gordon.

memorial service

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services