Catherine S. Wilcox
Catherine “Muffet” Slattery Wilcox, age 78, of Trumbull, passed away Saturday, December 5, 2020 in her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the cherished wife of the late William B. Wilcox, beloved mother of five, doting “Nana” of 11, sister, aunt, and dear friend to countless others. She was born in Norwalk, CT, to the late Martin and Catherine Creagh Slattery, the second of five children.
Catherine was a loving, dynamic, outgoing woman who, with fierce determination, accomplished much in her lifetime. While raising five children, she obtained advanced degrees and became a vibrant elementary school teacher for almost 30 years, first at West School and then at South School in New Canaan. At night she shined, sharing her expertise as a professor at the University of Bridgeport. One career highlight came after running a pilot program in her Kindergarten classroom; IBM offered her a two year opportunity to travel all over the country teaching teachers how to use the Writing to Read program, and she proudly accepted the offer. She especially loved working on the Navajo reservation in Red Mesa, Arizona. Her own Coast-to-Coast Consultant business was born of her desire to impassion audiences of educators to be better teachers. A devout Christian, she also coordinated and taught catechism and RCIA classes, working tirelessly at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Stamford. Anyone who rode in her van could smell the lingering aroma of baked goods that she delivered to the hungry, as part of her outreach efforts. She touched so many lives through all her teaching efforts that her ripple effect continues to this day.
Catherine was the quintessential matriarch and hostess. Everyone who knew her remarked on her brilliant, welcoming smile, and sparkling blue eyes. Her home had a revolving door inviting all to visit, or even reside in her home; and many did. Early on she opened her heart and home to her children’s teen friends, leaving the door open for French and Japanese exchange students, a Lithuanian violinist, and Irish priests or immigrants alike. You just never knew who Catherine would be mothering next. Every Thanksgiving was like a United Nations meeting, which is not a surprise since Cathy was a world traveler, and boasted of having visited over 65 countries, including Russia, Israel, the Czech Republic, China, Japan, and Uruguay, to name a few. Even before kissing the Blarney Stone, she loved sharing great stories of singing in Irish pubs, holding snakes in Marrakesh, or getting a trapeze style Chinese massage! As a seafarer on multiple cruises, she was quick to make new friends wherever she went.
Mom was a positive and encouraging woman with many talents. She loved to join in adventures: rollerskating, sledding, camping and swimming at West Beach with her kids (entire classes of them!), and climbing scaffolding to paint a mural of historic Stamford on Little Summer St. Cathy sang in numerous choirs and even acted in community theater. She and Bill instilled their love of travelling in her children by embarking on a six-week cross country adventure in a station wagon in 1976, using Stew Leonard’s bags for our kid-sized squishable luggage! Mom could be found stepping in to pinch hit and help Dad shoot or videotape a wedding as needed, or whipping up food for an impromptu gathering for 20. Who could forget the Superbowl Beer Dogs? Bridal Brunch? Baby Shower? Christening? All the big events were happening at the Wilcoxes’ - and EVERYONE was invited!
Affectionately known as Nana to all her grandchildren and all of their friends, she was their biggest cheerleader. Nana showed up to every basketball, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey game, or track meet, coast to coast. She took great pride in attending every violin concert, school concert, dance performance, School of Rock, or THSGEMB show. Many of the Jane Ryan community were treated to her passion as a guest reader or the Witch at the Witches Brew at the Jane Ryan pumpkin fair. She delighted in making children of all ages laugh and smile.
Whether you knew her as Catherine, Muffet, Cathy, Mom, Mrs. Wilcox, or Nana, you knew you were loved and valued for being yourself, whenever you were with her. She always made time to listen or lend some encouraging words. She laid the foundation of unconditional love in this life we all share. She was a true model of humanity. Though our hearts are broken, we hope to continue her legacy by spreading the love and kindness she instilled in us, making her proud, as we continue to carry her light within each of us.
She is survived and will be missed greatly by her loving children Catherine Anne (Michael) McElroy of Fairfield, William “Billy” (Tara) Wilcox of Stamford, Amy (Brian) Arnone of Trumbull, Heather (John) Robertson of Santa Barbara, CA, and Alexis “Lexy” (Dana Rozanski) Wilcox of Hamden. Our doting Nana leaves a gaggle of loving, affectionate grandchildren; Kelly, Fiona, Brian, Elsa, Cecelia, Will, Emily, Caitlyn, Liam, Connor, and Eamon.
Muffet is survived by her siblings; Martin (Peggy) Slattery, Jeanne Anne Slattery, Cecilia Slattery, and Brian (Susan) Slattery. She is also survived by her sister-in-law June (Tom) Scharf and many nieces and nephews as well as her cousins “The Kindiliens”. Muffet was predeceased by her loving niece Annie Slattery. Catherine was fortunate to find an adoring companion in Brian Benson who brought her peace and joy before he predeceased her. In addition to her blood relatives, Catherine has an extended worldwide chosen family, you know who you are!
Funeral services will be postponed until the late spring so we may gather together safely at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Stamford. Email cathywilcox@ gmail.com to receive the details of the funeral as they become available. Those who wish may make a contribution in her memory to Malta House, Five Prowitt St., Norwalk, CT 06855. To send condolences, visit www.redgatehennessy.com