BIOGRAPHY

Cox was born in Essendon, Hertfordshire, England, UK, on 30 December 1907, to parents Henry and Elizabeth Valentine. Her mother and grandmother lived to be 98, but her father passed away at 43 due to injuries sustained in World War I combat. Even in later life, she vividly recalled her childhood during World War I, when she lived on the outskirts of London. She remembered German airships and Zeppelins attempting to drop bombs and, like many others, having to stay indoors during the attacks.

Cox immigrated to the United States, arriving in New York City on 1 May 1938. Leonora lived and worked in Manhattan as a domestic worker and seamstress for several prominent families, including the Kennedys. She retired in April 1963 and moved to Woodside, where she became a dedicated member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for 40 years. Deeply devoted to her faith, she served on the Altar Guild, sang in the choir, and managed the church’s thrift shop for many years.

At some point, she married Harry Cox in Sussex, England, near his hometown. Harry was a silversmith, but during the Great Depression, there was little demand for his craft in either England or America. He spent most of his career in the United States as an executive with General Motors, except for the period when he was conscripted into the U.S. Army during World War II. He served in the Pacific War Theater and became an American citizen upon his discharge.

In 2004, she relocated to Fairfield to be closer to her family. There, she joined St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fairfield and regularly participated in Wednesday Bible study sessions.

At 102, she relied on a cane but remained active, walking two miles through the corridors of the Senior Center before settling down for lunch. The walk took two hours and was an essential part of her fitness routine. Her memory remained sharp; however, glaucoma and deteriorating close vision prevented her from reading. As a result, she memorized all the prayers she enjoyed reciting. She remarked that she was not particularly fond of fatty or fried foods and avoided chocolate, alcohol, and smoking.

Cox passed away in Fairfield, Connecticut, USA, on 6 April 2020 at the age of 112 years, 98 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age was validated by the European Supercentenarian Organisation (ESO) on 6 October 2020.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Cox reflects on 102 years” – Fairfield Citizen, 27 November 2009

* Obituary of Leonora M. Cox – Lesko Funeral Home

GALLERY