Mary Ann (Baker) Cox

Mary Ann (Baker) Cox, age 74, transitioned to her next life on Thursday, October 31, 2024, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after succumbing to complications from an extended illness of unknown origin.

She was born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1950, was adopted soon thereafter by Jesse L. and Helen (Mayes) Baker, and raised in the copper mining town of Morenci, Arizona.

After high school, she attended 2 years at the University of Arizona before completing her BA degree in Home Economics at the University of Houston in 1973. Throughout the rest of her life, she never stopped learning and growing. She received college credits in accounting and statistics, mechanical drafting, interior design, and religious studies.

She met her future husband, Andrew B. (Butch) Cox, while they were working as summer staff at Glorieta Baptist Assembly, Glorieta, New Mexico. Their first date was July 2, 1969. They were married in 1972, and enjoyed 52 years of life together.

Mary Ann was a natural empath. It was not unusual for complete strangers to relate their life stories to her in airports. She was adept at learning new disciplines quickly. In addition to being an excellent seamstress and cook, she worked at different times during her life as a salesperson (men's furnishings, window coverings, brick and tile, lighting), a back-stage data entry clerk at a brokerage firm, and volunteered in various capacities at her church. The longest job that she held was as warehouse manager at a lighting store. She was an excellent Bible Study teacher. She had an incredible skill in matching colors and shapes, and, in another life, would have been an astounding interior designer. She loved to sing, and was an avid reader.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Butch; of Albuquerque, her brother, Johnny L. Baker (Mary) of Phoenix, AZ; three daughters: Emily Moyer (Eric) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Julia Stephens (David) of North Olmsted, Ohio, and Katherine Cox of Austin, Texas; 5 grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces. In addition, she is survived by several biological relatives that she had the pleasure of meeting.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to Sandia Great Banquet, c/o Sandia Presbyterian Church, 10704 Paseo Del Norte NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122 (www.sandiapres.org), or your favorite charity.