Barbara C. Cox

Barbara Constance Cox passed away and went home to the Lord on March 24th, 2021, while in the

care of The Lutheran Home in Wauwatosa, WI.

Barbara is survived by her husband Richard of 65 years; her four children, Sally Ann (Dennis),

Tina (Shawn), Toni, and Derek (Debbie); her ten grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. 

Barbara was born in Marylebone, England on March 6th, 1934, to her mother Constance Peacock 

Scowen and father William Scowen. She was raised in Stanmore, England, by her mother alongside 

her older brother Brian and younger brother David. She attended Harrow County Girl’s School in 

London, where she formed many friendships, including with her best friend, Val. After finishing 

school, Barbara began working as a bookkeeper at the U.S. Army Base at Bushey Hall in Watford, 

England. It was there that she met her husband Richard in 1956 while he was stationed there.

Richard would talk of the first time he saw her, saying he knew he had to get to know that beauty!

Barbara and Richard were married on April 4, 1957, in Harrow, Middlesex, England. They welcomed 

their first two children while living with Barbara’s mother. In 1961, following the passing of her 

mother Constance, the family moved to Milwaukee, WI where they welcomed their last two 

children. Eventually, the family of six settled into their forever home in Wauwatosa, WI.

Barbara lived a full and active life. She co-founded the Wisconsin Chapter of the Transatlantic 

Brides and Parents Association (TBPA), an organization that brought together people of English, 

Scottish, Welsh, and Irish heritage who had made America their home. Through TBPA, Barbara and 

Richard formed lifelong friendships. One of the group’s most beloved activities was participating 

each year in the Holiday Folk Fair. Barbara always involved her family as the children dressed in 

traditional costumes and performed cultural dances and helped sell baked goods and trinkets she 

had sent over from England. She was very proud of her English roots and heritage.

Barbara worked as a bookkeeper at her local bank, at a daycare center and for a law firm before 

retiring.

Barbara dedicated much of her time to serving her church community. Throughout her life she 

volunteered in many ways, including leading Vacation Bible School in her basement, caring for 

children in the nursery during services, helping with the yearly Harvest Fest, and faithfully attending 

church every Sunday. Her faith was evident in the way she lived her life each day.

Barbara enjoyed traveling and competed in many bowling tournaments that took her to numerous 

states. She especially cherished visiting England whenever she could and kept close connections 

with her loved ones there. Family trips back to England created many lasting memories, and 

Barbara treasured the time she spent visiting her brothers and their families.

Later in life, Barbara and Richard purchased an RV, eventually finding the perfect 

campground in Montello, WI. They sold the RV and bought a seasonal trailer there, 

affectionately calling it “The Cove.” It became a special place where they spent many 

summer weekends and created memories with their grandkids.

Above all else, Barbara’s most treasured role was being a wife and mother. She adored her 

family and especially loved spoiling her grandchildren. Her home was truly “Grandma’s 

House.” With homemade cookies, her famous Bakewell tarts, old Disney VHS tapes, 

chocolate chip pancakes, and a glass of milk always ready, she created a place of warmth, 

comfort, and love. She hosted Christmas every year and took great joy in bringing the entire 

family together to celebrate.

Barbara was an incredible woman whose love was unconditional and unwavering. She was 

the matriarch of her family, the foundation, the one everyone turned to for comfort and 

support. Her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed 

and forever remembered.