Ann Marie Cox-Wood

Ann M. Cox-Wood, 90, of Rockford passed away peacefully into her heavenly home at her residence on Thursday December 28, 2017 at 4:30 pm.
Ann was born March 4, 1927 in Melrose Park, IL, the daughter of Angelo and Anna Spata. Ann graduated from Proviso East High School. She married James E. Cox, Sr. on June 26, 1948. They were married 53 years until he preceded her in death on April 11, 2001. Ann is survived by her husband Rex Wood who she married on October 21, 2007.
Surviving are three sons: James (Carol) E. Cox, Jr., Normal; Dennis (Ann) W. Cox, Roscoe; Brian (Kristi) T. Cox, Chana, and one daughter: Lori (David) A. Martin, Lakeland, FL and Stepdaughter Sarah Wood, Elgin. Ann had seventeen grandchildren: Scott (Elizabeth) Cox, Durand; Timothy (Jody) Cox, Seward; Tina (Steven) Hertig, Davis; Ashley Cox, Sycamore; Jamie (Rebecca) Cox, Normal; Stephen (Nicole) Cox, Springfield; Kari Cox, Nashville, TN; Brianna Cox, Charleston, SC; Annalise Cox, Chana; Michael Cox, Chana; Arabella Cox, Chana; Gannon Martin, Lakeland, FL; Gianna Martin, Lakeland, FL; Anthony (Tirzah) Kupkowski, Rockton; Ashley Kupkowski, Machesney Park; Joshua (Ashia) Kupkowski; South Beloit and Amanda Hendry, Rockford. Ann also had 18 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
Ann was preceded in death by three brothers: Jim, Bill, and Angelo and by four sisters: Josephine (Pepina), Mary, Carmela, and Zena.
Ann was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her Lord and loved to read her Bible. One year she read through the Bible thirteen times. She was an avid Chicago Cubs Fan and was elated to see them win the World Series. Ann was known as a great cook. She was especially recognized for her Italian/Sicilian dishes. She thoughtfully sent many cards to family and friends for birthdays, anniversaries and any other special event or holiday
She was a member of Berean Baptist Church, Rockford. She was known by all the children there as the Candy Lady because she always had candy for them after church. She loved her church family and enjoyed attending the Seniors for Christ events. Ann appreciated the kindness of its members but was especially thankful for Pastor Mark Swanson and Pastor Melvin Swanson.
A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday January 2, 2018 in Berean Baptist Church 5626 Safford Road Rockford, IL with Pastor Mark Swanson officiating. Burial will be in Laona Township Cemetery in Durand, IL. A visitation will be held at the Church from 10:00 am until time of Ceremony Tuesday.