Patricia Anne Fox

Patricia Anne Fox (Serafin) of Union, NJ passed away Monday, November 30th at Newark Beth Israel Hospital.  Upon being admitted to the ICU on November 11th, Patricia fought tirelessly until the very end.  She passed peacefully under the care of her medical team and with the support of her family.  Her determination, strength and love of family were evident throughout her fight and signified the values she displayed in everyday life.

Patricia was born on February 26, 1954 in Elizabeth, NJ to Walter and Margaret Serafin.  She was the fourth of five children and grew up in a big home on Mary street in Elizabeth, across from Jefferson park.  Upon graduating from Sacred Heart High School she worked as a telephone switch operator at New Jersey Bell where she met her lifelong best friend.  Patricia lived an exciting life, establishing her passion for adventure at an early age.  At the young age of 21, Patricia removed the back seat of her car, filling it with all of her belongings (including her sister’s stereo), and set out for a one way trip to New Mexico all by herself.  She spent time experiencing life to the fullest, adventuring across the country, creating friendships and lifelong memories.  In addition to taking memorable trips to Aruba and Sedona in her later years, she loved attending summer concerts on the beach in Sandy Hook.  A leader amongst her family and friends, Patricia was known to rally people from different walks of life, facilitating new connections and friendships between those that knew and loved her.  Her adventurous spirit remained present through her entire life, inspiring her children to live life to the fullest.

Patricia spent 10 years as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service where she met the love of her life and husband of 30 years, John Fox.  Patricia invited John to lunch at Galloping Hill in Union, NJ for a memorable first date.  Not realizing it at the time, she had sparked John’s lifelong passion for hot dogs, which she patiently supported every step of the way.  In addition to all of the hobbies they shared over the years, they simply enjoyed one another’s companionship. 

Patricia’s maternal and nurturing spirit deemed her a perfect caregiver not only for her daughter and son, but for the many children she impacted throughout her life.  Patricia created and operated her own home daycare services, spending years developing relationships and meaningful bonds with numerous children and families.  Her natural ability to connect with kids made her a special part of many children’s adolescent years and upbringing.  She also spent many years working for the Union Board of Education and Glenwood Elementary School in Short Hills, NJ.  She proudly retired from the Union Board of Education in June of 2020, holding close all of the friendships she created over the years.

Perhaps one of the happiest moments of her life was the birth of her granddaughter and “Sunshine” Kennedy, giving her the proudest title of Grandma.  The distance between them only strengthened the bond they shared, making their time spent together that much more special.  Being a Grandma for Kennedy, Mia and Matthew was her greatest joy in life, and she made it her purpose to bring them all the happiness in the world.  She remained a daily part of their lives through phone calls, facetiming and texting, but what they looked forward to most was their visits and time spent together.  Patricia took pleasure in shopping for thoughtful gifts to spoil each of her three grandchildren.  Her excitement and joy of spreading happiness and love to all around her is the quality that will be missed the most. 

Patricia is survived by her husband John and beloved children, her daughter Meghan Guimond and husband Matthew, and son John and his wife Samantha Fox and three grandchildren Kennedy, Mia and Matthew.  She is also survived by her sister Nancy Mellage and her husband Bob, her brother Walter Serafin and wife Vicky as well as all of her nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.  Patricia is predeceased by her brother Jimmy and sister Peggy. 

Visitation will take place on Friday December 4, 2020 from 4:00-8:00PM. 

Funeral services will take place on Saturday December 5, 2020 at 8:45AM. Funeral mass will follow at 9:30AM at Holy Spirit in Union, NJ and interment to follow at Mount Olivet in Newark, NJ. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia Anne Fox, please visit our floral store.