Bolton: Tributes to WRVS member Pat Cox, who has died at the age of 84

Pat Cox was a well-known face in Bolton, particularly for her work with the WRVS for which she became the Bolton metropolitan organiser and then went to work for Greater Manchester county.

The mother-of-six joined the organisation in 1966 and was a member up until 1994, after which she penned a book on the organisations.

Through her role she raised money for the hospital as well as other causes.

Her son, Cllr Martyn Cox, leader of Bolton Council, led the tributes to his mother.

He said: "She was an only child and created an extraordinary life.

“I can’t think of many places she didn’t visit.

“It’s a real legacy that she has left behind.

“When she was a part of the WRVS it was all voluntary and she gave it everything she had."

Pat was born in Moses Gate just before the start of the Second World War.

Her father served in the forces.

Her mother died when she was a teenager.

Pat wrote two books called WRVS In The Community and Edith and Pat A True story of life in Farnworth, which is about life in the town before, during and after the Second World War.

Her books sit on the family selves and read by her children, along with photograph books she has put together for all the family.

Pat was also a talented artist with her paintings hung on the walls in Martyn's home.

Martyn added: “Her book Edith and Pat recognises that there were hard times before and we are very lucky.”

Martyn said  as well as her work in the community she was family focused - describing her as  an extraordinary cook -  and become a really good golfer after taking up the sport with her late husband Frank, who died in 2019.

• ALSO READ: Frank Cox, one of the founders of George Cox & Sons dies at the age of 86

Pat had her own hairdressing salon from the mid 1950s to the 60s.

Martyn added: “She really was an extraordinary and talented person who spent her life looking after other people.

“She met hundreds of people, and she will stay with anyone who met her forever.

“She was very kind and selfless and very funny.

“I don’t think she created an enemy in her life.

“She was universally liked by everybody who knew her.

“I’m so lucky to have had her as a mum.

“She was a one off and one of a kind.”

Pat had six children, with the eldest being Michael, and then David, Chris, Caroline, Martyn, and Catherine.

She also had 19 grandchildren.

Martyn says he has countless fond memories he can recall growing up, but one that sticks out is when they used to go on holiday to Malaga in the mid 60s.

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• ALSO READ: Pat says thanks for WRVS memories

He said: “It was so funny with my mum getting all these children to Europe and getting us all ready.

“My mum had six children and was remarkably calm.”

Pat was married to Frank for 62 years and the couple were known to many in Farnworth.

Martyn added: “They were a big Bolton family and very big in rotary fundraising events at their house.

“They were great hosts and there was always a party at Pat and Frank’s.

“They never stopped and were an extraordinary couple.

“Pat would always welcome anyone her house and make something for them straight away.”

Frank took over the civil engineering firm George Cox & Son’s, passing it on to Chris, who was supported by Martyn.

Chris has been the managing director for 27-years

Pat died on Tuesday, February 14 after a 10-year-battle with Alzheimer’s.

Martyn said: "Alzheimer’s gets you in the end very slowly

“The reality is that we understand the disease much more than people did in the past.

“But it’s very sad to see your own mother who was so active, and so talented, succumb to it.

“My mum didn’t recognise us for the last year.”

The funeral service will be held on March 2 at 1pm at St John Fisher, Manchester Road, Kearsley.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.