Obituary of Patricia B Knox

Patricia Bridget Knox (nee Mooney) of Basking Ridge, 82 years of age, passed away at Regency Grand Post-Acute Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing due to complications of the Coronavirus. She was cared for by her loving granddaughter Kayce in her last days, her inside family advocate during her short stay there. Born on October 23, 1937 in Paterson, NJ, Patty was the sixth and youngest child of Denis Mooney and Mary Ellen Mooney (nee Heggarty). Both of her parents immigrated to the USA from Ireland, Denis from County Offaly and her mother from Kilcar, County Donegal. Patty was brought up in a tight knit Irish Catholic family, and was dearly loved. Her Irish heritage was woven deeply into her life. It was only fitting that Pat met Harry Knox one summer in Manasquan, NJ, who also shared a love of his Irish roots. The two were wed on 12/7/1957, on a beautiful winter day at St. Joseph RC in Paterson, NJ. Pat and Harry were blessed with six children themselves, Jim, Denis, Mary Ellen, Patti, Kathleen, and Tommy. In the early years, Pat and Harry lived in Fort Lee NJ, Syracuse NY, and Old Bridge NJ. The growing Knox family, which included Pat’s mother Mary Ellen Mooney and her grandmother, Mary Heggarty, settled in West Orange NJ where they resided for 25 years. As long-time residents of West Orange, the Knox family were members of St. Joseph Parish where the children attended grammar school. The Knox family were also members at The Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, co-founded by Harry, as well as Rock Spring Country Club. Pat and Harry also were very involved at Seton Hall Preparatory School, as their sons were students there. Pat’s work life included St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ, where she worked for years in the business office, as a Supervisor. She later worked at Barnert Hospital Business Office until she retired in 1997. Hard working and thorough, Pat was a problem solver and a wonderful coworker and forged lasting friendships during her years at both St. Barnabas and Barnert Hospital. Family always came first in Pat’s life. A mother of 6 children, whom she lovingly referred to as her “treasures”, Pat could always be found caring for and nurturing her dear children. She also was a wonderful caregiver to her dear mother, Mary Ellen Mooney and her grandmother Mary Heggarty. As tradition would have it, Pat resided with her daughter and her family in Basking Ridge for 23 wonderful years, where her two other daughters and their families resided. “Grammy” as she was affectionately known to her 14 grandchildren, could be found driving all around town picking up, dropping off, babysitting, attending sporting events, school functions, for her beloved grandchildren. In addition, she traveled often to visit her son’s families to spend time with all of her grandchildren. Grammy was well known and loved by the many friends in town. Pat suffered the horrific loss of her youngest son, Tommy, on 9/11/01. She attended the St. James WTC Support group, with her daughter-in-law and daughter, a bereavement group where she met many other family members who lost loved ones. Soon after, she met a wonderful group of kindred spirit mothers, who also lost their sons on 9/11/01, who formed a monthly lunch club where they would share in their son’s memories, that turned into a very special group of dear friends. Pat was a loving, kind, devoted, and caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to all whose lives she touched. Truly beloved, she will be missed beyond words. All who were fortunate to know her are better people for her presence in their lives. Pat is predeceased by her beloved parents, Denis and Mary Ellen Mooney, beloved husband Harry, dear son Thomas Patrick, beloved brother Jim Mooney, beloved sisters Mary Rowe, and Betty Clark. She is survived by her 5 children, Jim Knox and wife Jacqueline of Princeton Junction, Denis Knox of Vernon NJ, Mary Ellen Knox Profita and Rick Niederhaus of Parsippany NJ, Patricia Lalley and husband Tom of Basking Ridge NJ, Kathleen Doolan and husband Mark of Basking Ridge NJ, and daughter in law Nancy Knox of Wyckoff NJ, as well as 13 grandchildren : Liam, Michael, Caley, Tommy, Cameron, Jacquelyn, Kayce, Patrick, Connor, Bridget, Jack, Kevin, Danny. Also survived by her brother John Mooney of Wyckoff, his wife Claire, her sister Kathleen Heintz of Belvidere, sister in law Diane Mooney of Lakewood, NJ. In addition to the many nieces, nephews, cousins In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Thomas P. Knox Memorial Foundation in loving memory of his dear mother with whom he is now reunited in heaven. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 490, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. The Knox family would like to thank all of their family and friends who have reached out during this very difficult time. They so desperately need to have a proper mass and burial but during this period of isolation, they are unable to do so. There will be a celebration of Pat’s life with a memorial mass at a later date when it is safe to fill a church with all of their family and friends.