Mary R. Cox

Mary Roberta Conley Harrington Cox died at home on December 27th, in DeBary, FL. Born on July 17, 1927 in Providence, RI to Leo and Gertrude Conley, she was raised in Pawtucket, RI and shared many found memories of her childhood. She married her first husband, Daniel M. Harrington, in 1949. They traveled extensively for his work with the Central Intelligence Agency, living in Lima, Peru; Beirut, Lebanon; Cyprus; and Kaduna, Nigeria. They moved from Washington, D.C. to Daytona Beach, FL, in 1974. After Dan's death in 1989, Mary married Donald Cox of Marieta, Ohio in 1990. They continued to live in Daytona and were happily married for 23 years until his death in 2013. For the last five years Mary lived with her dear friends Sharon Barr and Penny Morford.

Mary enjoyed traveling, making wonderful lifelong friends, and collecting souvenirs from her journeys. Her niece and nephews always had the best items for show and tell that she had sent from overseas. She belonged to US Embassy clubs during Dan's postings and after Dan's retirement attended many annual ceremonies held in Washington D.C. She was privileged to had met numerous foriegn dignitaries and 5 U.S. presidents.

After returning to the states, she renewed old friendships and made new ones. She loved playing cards and board games. She enjoyed going out to eat weekly with a group from the Wilder Boulevard Condos. She enjoyed walks near the condos, on the beach and around the Daytona Marina, and regularly played tennis. She was also active in her church, volunteering for many years at the church's soup kitchen.

Mary is predeceased by her brother, Leo Conley, Jr, and her daughter, Patricia Ann Harrington. Leo was a talented artist and Mary had several of his framed award-winning photographs hanging in her room to enjoy. Patty was born in 1956 in Chile. Dan and Mary became her adoptive parents just before her 3rd birthday and Mary was very proud of her becoming a U.S. citizen. The sun rose and set on their little girl. Remembered as beautiful and bright and for her pet bird the entire family enjoyed.  Unfortunately, she fought childhood leukemia for 8 years and left them very early just before turning 12.

She is survived by her niece, Ann Newman, and her nephews George Newman, Daniel Newman (Pam), and Gordon Mountford (Lauren), as well as her good friend Ruth Stanley, whom she affectionately referred to as one of her nieces.

She was very thankful to Sharon and Penny for the friendship, love, and care they provided to her for many years.

A special funeral mass will be held on January 10th at 10:30 a.m. at the Basilica of St. Paul Catholic Church, Daytona Beach, FL.  In lieu of flowers, Mary asked that donations be made to Halifax Health - Hospice or the charity of your choice.

Cardwell Baggett & Summers Funeral Home, S. Daytona is in charge of arrangements.