Barbara Cox Emanuelson
January 13, 1932 ~ May 14, 2020
Born in:
Schenectady, NY
Resided in:
Attleboro, MA
Barbara Cox Emanuelson, age 88, died peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2020. While Barbara lived the majority of her life in Hamden, she moved to Attleboro, MA, in 2017 to be in the loving care of her daughter, Lynne. She was born in Schenectady, NY, on January 13, 1932, to the late Robert and Marjorie Cox. A loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, volunteer, and avid fan of chocolates, Barbara lived a full life. She was a graduate of Emma Willard School in Troy, NY, before attending college. Over the years, Barbara shared her love and knowledge as a volunteer at the Junior League of New Haven, Masonic Charity, Yale-New Haven Hospital where she started its mobile library cart back in 1975, and Hamden Memorial Library. She earned the “Volunteer of the Year” Award from the library in 2006. Barbara was pre-deceased by her parents, her sister Carol, and her first-born son Herbert III. She is survived by her children Lynne and Herbert IV, her grandson Alexander, and her much adored cat Slinky, as well as those friends and family who were touched by her generous spirit. Many shared laughs and lunch with her at Whitney Donut, or loved her gentle wisdom, charm, humor and knowing wink. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Animal Haven, Inc., 89 Mill Road, North Haven, CT, 06473. Since we cannot gather together to celebrate Barbara’s life, her family would love to receive your remembrances on her obituary page.
Mrs. E will always have a special place in my heart. I have many fond memories of her along with memories of our families being together in our neighborhood in Hamden. She was truly a kind soul. My thoughts are with you both Herb and Lynne. I know how much you both loved her. She will be missed by many.
Eric – I’m sorry for your loss. What great picture! Good character all over that face.
What a full life. Giving back to the community is the ultimate act of kindness. It’s the one act that we do without any expectation of reciprocity. Your mother was a giver. Givers impact the lives of so many people in ways that we will never know. A life well lived! Thinking of all of you.
Evan
Barbara was a volunteer at Swain Library for several years while I was librarian there. Her big smile and upbeat personality were always welcome. I felt very fortunate to have her help. I am sorry for your loss.
May God bless you all,
Dave
Mrs E was my mother’s best friend I remember them talking on the phone everyday and or families would get together all the time I especially remember tailgating at the Yale football games she will be missed and will be in my prayers my heart goes out to Lynne and Herbert may god bless your families David Blakeslee
Herb,
I’m sorry for your loss. I recall your productive years at Hamden Hall and realize that your mom did a great job of enabling what you accomplished there and beyond.
With a prayer,
Dan Zibello
This is a hard one to write, Barbara was a second mother and good friend wrapped into one. She seamlessly adopted me when by father passed in 2001. We bonded over sorting my mother’s 80 some odd garbage bags of fabric. Everything from crushed velvet to Lily Pulitzer to harvest gold polyester–when someone does this for weeks you know you have a friend. Dinners on Sunday and a couple of lunches or dinners during the week. She never stopped trying to convince me corn was a vegetable and a salad with iceberg lettuce had some nutritional value. Lots of holiday dinners together, usually at the Rustic Oak.
Barbara came to my rescue when I sprained my knee and was taken to the hospital. She had great expressions which I found myself adopting: “He looked like an unmade bed” and “my wheels came off” after a stomach problems. Once at Whitney Donut, they asked her what she wanted on her meatloaf sandwich. Only half listening she replied “tartar sauce”. Everyone looked at her, tartar sauce on your meatloaf?? We all laughed. She wrinkled her nose and said Oh, you! She received a bottle of tartar sauce from her secret Santa that year. She helped me with the fiction gift books and the weeding process at Miller Library. She loved reading romances. Always cheerful and generous with kind & compassionate words.
I remember sitting in your mom’s green Rambler station wagon on a raining day waiting for the school bus to go to Springglen school. I am from sorry for your loss.
A classy lady and a class act
Lynne and Herbert
Sorry to hear about your mom. We shared a lot of memories with your family when we were younger. I even remember Pish, your nanny.
That generation will sadly be missed. Day by day, its a gift just to make it to “80”