Rita E. Cox of Gibbstown, New Jersey, passed away on December 27, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She joined family members who proceeded her: William J. Cox, Sr. (husband); Fortunato and Amelia Valentino (parents). She is survived by her children (Nancy, Bill, Patricia and  Rita), sister, Irene Arena, brother, Fortunato (Edith) Valentino, ten grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was born in Gibbstown, New Jersey on October 21, 1927 and died at the age of 95. Rita lived her entire life in Gibbstown on Democrat Road, graduated from the Greenwich Township Broad Street School with accolades in physical fitness and academics. She followed the commercial program in Paulsboro High School and graduated in 1945. While in high school she worked in Glickmen's Store and the Gibbstown Soda Store. Shortly thereafter, she married William J. Cox of Paulsboro and raised four children: Nancy Lynn Cox-Myers, William J. Cox, Jr., Patricia (Cox) Schober (Rick), and Rita Marlene (Cox) Hurst (Chris). She was a very devoted and loving mother whose family was always her priority in life. She was known for her homemade ravioli, scrippelles, ceramics, and baking.

After the death of her husband, Rita learned to drive at age 52 and went to work: Paulsboro Bank, Madelines Dress Shop (Mickleton), Battaglia's Donut Shop (Mickleton), Underwood Hospital Snack Shop (Woodbury), Bakers' Dutch Inn (Gibbstown), and was a Gibbstown Crossing Guard. Rita also faithfully performed her duties as a local poll worker during elections.

Throughout most of her life, Rita remained very active and involved in community activities: PTA, St. Michael's Church choir and functions, baby sitting, etc. She enjoyed crocheting, baking and tending to her family.

At Rita's request, interment was held privately at Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro, NJ. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass to be celebrated 11:30AM on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at St. Clare of Assisi Parish (St. Michael's Church), 320 Memorial Avenue, Gibbstown NJ 08027. THERE WILL BE NO VISITATION PRIOR TO THE MASS.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Rita's memory may be made to:

Holy Redeemer Health Care and Hospice, 60 E. Ninth Avenue, Suite B, PO Box 250, Runnemede, NJ 08078

Guardian Angels Regional School, 150 South School Street, Gibbstown NJ 08027

American Heart Association-NJ Region, 707 Alexander Road, Suite 101, Princeton, NJ 08540.

Arrangements by LANDOLFI FUNERAL HOME, 300 W. Broad St., Paulsboro NJ 08066. To share condolences/memories visit www.landolfifuneralhome.com