Obituary for Mary Knox
Mary (Koldys) Knox, 95, died on July 20th at Litchfield Woods Nursing Home after a short illness. She was born on May 5, 1926 in Torrington, CT, the third of six children born to Joseph and Mary Koldys. She lost her left arm in an accident at the age of five but she remained resilient, adaptable and determined to never allow it to interfere with her full participation in life. In June 1946 she married Thomas B. Knox, Sr. and would go on to enjoy over 60 years together, most of them spent in the home he built on Knox Rd (also known as Paradise) in Litchfield, CT where they raised their four children.
Mary was a communicant of St Anthony’s church and served as church secretary of the parish for 36 years until retiring at age 76 (she loved hearing how it took two women and a computer to replace her). In her mid-forties, she began playing tennis, a game which would go on to become a lifelong passion and the source of so many lasting and dear friendships. She spent countless hours on the courts with her beloved sister Flo – who also was her traveling companion as they attended tennis events around the country. One highlight was being in attendance, along with her son Kevin, at the 2007 Davis Cup Finals in Portland, Oregon, where she got to see the USA defeat Russia. Mary played in many tournaments – often partnering with Kevin, who recently chuckled as he reminisced with her about the withering look she would give him whenever he made a mistake. Mary’s competitive spirit and focus always made her a formidable opponent and often a winner.
A cruise on The Love Boat in 1992 with her husband Tom became the first of many they would experience and enjoy. Mary also travelled with family and friends to various countries – including her homeland of Poland with sister Flo and Ireland with Tom and his brothers. When she wasn’t working, traveling, or on the courts, she enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as reading a good book, listening to music, or gardening. She also did volunteer work with several local charity organizations.
Mary was a smart, independent woman, with a great sense of humor and full of life. Her ability to accept the challenges of aging with dignity and grace allowed her to live her final years with serenity and contentment. She was a joy to be around, always expressing gratitude and appreciation to those who assisted her. She passed with no regrets.
Mary was pre-deceased by her loving husband Tom and by her beloved siblings: brothers William, Matt, and Joe, and her sisters Flo and Stella.
Mary is survived by her four children to cherish her memory: Holly Benton and her husband Richard of Easley, SC, Tom Knox Jr of Litchfield, CT , Terry Knox and his wife Annie of Springfield, MA and Kevin Knox and his wife Valerie of Litchfield, CT ; her grandchildren Heather Stewart, Jennifer Joseph, Adam Knox, Trevor Knox and Derek Knox; her great grandchildren Sarah and Jack Stewart, Grace, Jacob and Luke Joseph, and Mason and Mila Knox – and also numerous nieces and nephews who were dear to her always.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 8, 2021 at 10:30am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 49 South Street, Litchfield. Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to the Community Soup Kitchen, 220 Prospect St, Torrington, CT 06790.
Mary was a communicant of St Anthony’s church and served as church secretary of the parish for 36 years until retiring at age 76 (she loved hearing how it took two women and a computer to replace her). In her mid-forties, she began playing tennis, a game which would go on to become a lifelong passion and the source of so many lasting and dear friendships. She spent countless hours on the courts with her beloved sister Flo – who also was her traveling companion as they attended tennis events around the country. One highlight was being in attendance, along with her son Kevin, at the 2007 Davis Cup Finals in Portland, Oregon, where she got to see the USA defeat Russia. Mary played in many tournaments – often partnering with Kevin, who recently chuckled as he reminisced with her about the withering look she would give him whenever he made a mistake. Mary’s competitive spirit and focus always made her a formidable opponent and often a winner.
A cruise on The Love Boat in 1992 with her husband Tom became the first of many they would experience and enjoy. Mary also travelled with family and friends to various countries – including her homeland of Poland with sister Flo and Ireland with Tom and his brothers. When she wasn’t working, traveling, or on the courts, she enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as reading a good book, listening to music, or gardening. She also did volunteer work with several local charity organizations.
Mary was a smart, independent woman, with a great sense of humor and full of life. Her ability to accept the challenges of aging with dignity and grace allowed her to live her final years with serenity and contentment. She was a joy to be around, always expressing gratitude and appreciation to those who assisted her. She passed with no regrets.
Mary was pre-deceased by her loving husband Tom and by her beloved siblings: brothers William, Matt, and Joe, and her sisters Flo and Stella.
Mary is survived by her four children to cherish her memory: Holly Benton and her husband Richard of Easley, SC, Tom Knox Jr of Litchfield, CT , Terry Knox and his wife Annie of Springfield, MA and Kevin Knox and his wife Valerie of Litchfield, CT ; her grandchildren Heather Stewart, Jennifer Joseph, Adam Knox, Trevor Knox and Derek Knox; her great grandchildren Sarah and Jack Stewart, Grace, Jacob and Luke Joseph, and Mason and Mila Knox – and also numerous nieces and nephews who were dear to her always.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 8, 2021 at 10:30am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 49 South Street, Litchfield. Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to the Community Soup Kitchen, 220 Prospect St, Torrington, CT 06790.