Eleanor Cox

Like the flowers that she so tenderly cared for, Eleanor Cox was a woman who was beautiful on the inside and out. She was a quiet woman, but one of strong convictions that were greatly based on the religious beliefs that were engraved upon her heart. Eleanor lived a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, yet those experiences all worked together to shape her into the extraordinary woman who was cherished by so many.

If one could turn back the pages of time to the year 1921, life would look substantially different in America than the life we know today. Prohibition was in full swing which made way for bootlegging across the nation while infamous gangsters like Al Capone and Legs Diamond continued to elude police. People were entertained by speakeasies and dance marathons while jazz music was the cornerstone of the music scene during this entire decade. It was also in the year 1921 that Marion and Angelin (Szczotkowna) Paczkowski welcomed the birth of their daughter, Eleanor, on March 11th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Grand Rapids is a bustling town nestled in western Michigan along the banks of the Grand River and was known as “Furniture City” during this generation. These were the days when furniture production was the prominent industry in the city and Eleanor’s father supported his family through his work in this industry. Her mother was a homemaker who was also a caretaker for Herpolsheimer’s Department Store located in downtown Grand Rapids. Eleanor was joined in her family by her older siblings Bernard and Marion, and her younger siblings Regina, Leonard, and Martha.

It was during her formative years that Eleanor came to embrace the Catholic faith as she was raised in a Catholic home. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and then went on to high school as well. Her family attended Sacred Heart of Jesus parish together where Eleanor also received additional fundamentals of the faith that she would carry with her throughout her entire lifetime.

With her schooling behind her, Eleanor was ready for the next phase in her life. She worked at Kelvinator in Grand Rapids which was originally known as Leonard Refrigerator Company. Eleanor remained at Kelvinator for over 30 years altogether. It was through her sister-in-law, Eleanor Bosek, that Eleanor met Earl Cox, the man with whom she would fall deeply in love. After dating for a time, the couple was married at Sacred Heart of Jesus parish on the lower west side of the city.

Eleanor and Earl lived at 137 Bristol since the early sixties where they created numerous memories together. Even after her beloved Earl died in 1973, Eleanor continued to live in their home for many years until she moved to St. Ann’s Home on the northwest side of the city just six years ago.

Throughout her life there were a number of activities that Eleanor enjoyed. She loved tending to her gardens that included both flowers and vegetables. Eleanor was a dog lover who was partial to Beagles and Pomeranians. She loved polka music whether she was just listening or actually dancing along. Eleanor always had such a special place in her heart for children even though she and Earl never had any of their own. Throughout the years Eleanor enjoyed numerous shopping trips with her sister Martha and her sisters-in-law as well.

In so many ways, Eleanor was a remarkable woman who was so easy to love. She was usually quiet, but wasn’t afraid to stand up for her convictions and the things she felt strongly about. Eleanor was loving and compassionate, tenderly caring for her parents for many years as their health diminished over the years. Although she was deeply saddened with Earl’s death, she found strength in both her faith and the love of her family during this time. Eleanor continued making the most of the moments she was given.

Eleanor Cox was a woman of faith who deeply loved those within her reach. She worked hard throughout her life, yet she enjoyed finding time to pursue her passions as well. Eleanor loved children and spending time with her family, often finding joy in the simple things. Although her family and friends say goodbye for now, they will forever hold dear the moments they were given to share with such an extraordinary woman. Eleanor will be dearly missed.

Eleanor Cox of Grand Rapids died on Tuesday, November 17, 2009. Eleanor’s family includes her sister Martha (Joseph) Bulgarella, nephew Bruce (Christine) Packard, and her niece Cheryl Bulgarella. Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband Earl, brothers Leonard, Marion and Bernard and sister Regina. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of St. Ann’s Home, 2161 Leonard ST. NW. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may meet the family on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes – Alt & Shawmut – Grand Rapids, MI, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr NW where the Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo or sign the online guestbook.