Norton Obituary: Arline Cox

From Norton Memorial Funeral Home:

Arline L. Johnson Cox, age 86, of Norton, passed away in her home with the comforting love of her family being with her on Wednesday, September 18, 2013.

Born in Northampton, MA on November 29, 1926, she was the daughter of the late William C. and Pearl Grono Johnson.

In 1940 the family moved to Norton so her father could purchase a farm in order to raise animals and grow big gardens with the help of her two brothers, Lester and Mason Johnson who soon afterwards were drafted into the service, both now deceased.

Arline was educated in Northampton and Norton schools, graduating from Norton High as Salutatorian of the class of 1944.

In 1945 on September 1st, the date of a family tradition, she married PFC S. Wayne Cox who passed away in 1986.

Since 1940 she has been a resident of Norton. She and her husband moved into the family homestead in 1955. In later years she was instrumental in the effort to get the farmland into Conservation and Land Preservation, commonly known as Johnson Acres.

In 1948 she started working at Wheaton College on a PBX Switchboard and also as Secretary at the Elisabeth Amen Nursery School, both part time. In 1988 she retired as Supervisor of Switchboard Operations after 40 years of service. While there she learned how to operate the Carillon taught to her by Professor Austin. She made may friends at Wheaton and continued those friendships all through her life.

Arline loved music and enjoyed playing the piano and organ. She belonged to singing groups in Norton and Mansfield Senior Centers. She was also a member of the Trinitarian Congregational Church in Norton, the Red Hats, and was a former member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary in Norton.

She kept flower gardens with the help of her late fiancé, Chester Butts. She loved her kitty, Effie and kept her bird feeders filled. Arline was an organized and gracious lady right to the end.

She is survived by a daughter, Carolyn L. Curry of North Attleboro; a grandson Ronald Champagne and his wife Vickie of Taunton; three great grandchildren, Ashley and Brandon Sanford, their mother Audra, and Brian Hooley, children of the late Brian Sanford. One sister, Ruth Johnson Church and her husband Herbert Church of Norton. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Bruce Church of Norton, Leslie Harlor of Mansfield, Laurie Greene of Bridgewater, Mason Johnson of Alabama, and David Johnson of Maryland. Other survivors are cousins, in particular the Fonger family who faithfully gave great help and comfort to Arline in her last days. Also her good friend, Faith, who was there to help and be with Arline.