STANDISH- Leona W. Cox, 86, of Standish died at her home on Bonny Eagle Pond surrounded by her family. She was born in Portland on June 6th, 1929. The only daughter of Raymond and Leila Webber. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Cape Elizabeth High School in 1947. She continued her education at Tuft's University graduating in it's first class of Occupational Therapists in 1952.
Leona was married for 49 years to Ralph (Sam) W. Cox Jr. For the first 20 years of their marriage Sam was in the Navy and Leona traveled with him to many different places across the United States. In the sixties, they even did a tour of duty in Londonderry Ireland. They both had a love for adventure and continued to travel long after retiring form the Navy. After leaving the Service Sam became the Manager of Two Lights and Crescent Beach State Parks. Leona worked as his office assistant and Toll Booth receptionist for over 10 years. In the eighties they retired to a cottage on Bonny Eagle Pond. They worked hard to turn their home into a gathering place for their family and friends.
Leona was a devoted homemaker, loving wife, Mother and Grandmother. She was vivacious, intelligent and hard working. she used her creative talents knitting sweaters and caring for others. She possessed the ability to talk to anybody, so beside collecting Teddy Bears, one might also say Leona collected friends.
Leona was predeceased by her husband in 1999. She was also predeceased by her only Brother, Kenneth Webber and a Granddaughter Katherine L. Cox.
Leona leaves three surviving children; Michael L. Cox and partner Christine Buzzelle of South Portland, Flora S. Nappi and husband Frank of Standish, Julie A. Pitt and husband Bruce of Biddeford, two Grandchildren; Samuel J. Nappi of Topsham and Elizabeth J. Coyne, husband Richard and three Great Grandsons Trey, Frankie and Sammie of Yarmouth.
There will be a private service held on Matinicus Island.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton.
Online condolences may be expressed at the funeral home's website, www.mainefuneral.com. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Leona's favorite charity, The Maine Seacoast Mission, 127 West St., Bar Harbor, Maine 04609.