It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Constance “Connie” Ann Cox, who died on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, at the age of 82 after a brief illness. Born in Syracuse in 1941 to Neal “Mike” and Lucille Havill of Minoa, Connie was a graduate of Minoa High School.
After attending SUNY Cortland, Connie headed west to live on the beach and attend graduate school before moving back to East Syracuse. Connie went on to have a successful career as a physical education teacher and coach for East Syracuse Minoa school district. In 1979 her life changed dramatically when she was involved in a serious car accident that left her permanently unable to walk. Undaunted, Connie continued to be physically active with exercising and swimming for many years.
Her love story with her husband, James Cox, whom she met and married in Manhattan Beach in 1964, was a testament to a love that lasted a lifetime. Together, they shared a love of music and laughter, created a beautiful family, traveled extensively and gathered many friends along the way.
Connie is predeceased by her parents; her sister, Kay Havill; and her nephew, Craig Saunders. She is survived by her husband, James Cox, formerly of Fayetteville; children, Wendy (Gene) Longden of Oneida and Kerstin (Tom) McKay of Cazenovia; her grandchildren, Megan (Tatsunari Tomiyama) McKay of Cazenovia and Alexandra McKay of Woburn, MA; her sisters, Linda (Melvin) Saunders of Kirkville and Mary Alice (Wayne) Haynes of Manlius; and many nieces, nephews and their children.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate Connie’s life will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26, at R.H. Schepp & Son Minoa Chapel, 6530 Schepps Corners Road, Minoa. Calling hours will be from 2-4 p.m. that afternoon at the funeral home.
We kindly request that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (christopherreeve.org, dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis) in her memory.
For guest book, please visit scheppfamily.com.
