Dallas, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Mary Fox, a beloved educator and community pillar in Dallas, has passed away at the age of 95. Her lifelong dedication to special education, extensive volunteering, and strong Catholic faith are remembered fondly. She is survived by her four children, ten grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements include a rosary and visitation followed by a Celebration Mass. Family expresses gratitude towards her caregivers for their compassionate support during her final years.
Dallas
Mary Fox, 95, a longtime educator and active community member, has died. She is remembered for a lifetime of work in special education, extensive volunteer service while raising her family, and deep involvement with her Catholic faith. Funeral arrangements have been scheduled and family members have expressed appreciation for caregivers and staff who assisted in her final years.
Key arrangements and family
Preceded in death by her husband David G. Fox, who she was married to for 49 years, and her son, Michael.
Survived by her children: Laura, David III (Deborah), Kevin, and Amy, as well as ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
A rosary and visitation are scheduled for Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home.
A Celebration Mass of Christian Burial will occur on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at St. Monica Catholic Church, with Monsignor Milam Joseph presiding.
Special thanks were given to her caregivers Elois, Belinda, and Angela, and the staff at Belmont Village for their compassionate support.
What she did and where
Mary Fox dedicated the early years of her professional life to teaching children with special needs in Beaumont, Texas. Her formal education in the field was completed after transferring to Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, where she earned a degree in special education. Prior to SMU, she initially pursued her college education at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee.
Early life and education
Mary Fox was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, and was the eldest of three children, growing up with her brothers Chuck and Victor. She attended St. Mary’s School in Appleton. As a young student she enjoyed singing and ice skating; at SMU she swam with the Dolphin Club and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.
Family life and community involvement
She met her husband, David G. Fox, at a friend’s wedding in October 1953 while serving punch. Married David on February 28, 1954, and together built a life centered on faith, family, and community. The couple spent more than six decades raising five children and kept a long-standing family tradition of summer visits to South Padre Island for over 65 years.
While raising their children, she volunteered extensively at their schools and led both Boy and Girl Scout troops. Her faith played a central role in her community work; she was an active participant in the Knights and Dames of Malta, the Stewards of St. Peter, and the Dallas Vocation Guild, and maintained a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother through her Catholic faith.
Personality and interests
Mary was known for a lively personality that combined a strong sense of humor with warmth and approachability. She had a reputation for a green thumb and enjoyed gardening, needlepoint, and home decorating. She was also an enthusiastic sports fan who followed local professional teams and player statistics.
Legacy
Her legacy is described by family members and community contacts as rooted in faith, kindness, humor, and devotion to family. Her long career in special education, volunteer leadership while raising her children, and participation in church and civic groups represent the primary public contributions that shaped how she is being remembered.
Background context
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Mary moved for education and work to Texas, where she established a long family and community life in the Dallas area. Her schooling included time at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee and a degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, guiding her toward a career in special education. Her personal interests, volunteer work, and membership in local Catholic organizations illustrate the mix of family, faith, and civic engagement that characterized her life.
FAQ
When and where are the funeral services?
A rosary and visitation are scheduled for Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home.
When and where is the memorial Mass?
A Celebration Mass of Christian Burial will occur on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at St. Monica Catholic Church, with Monsignor Milam Joseph presiding.
Who survives Mary Fox?
Survived by her children: Laura, David III (Deborah), Kevin, and Amy, as well as ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Who preceded her in death?
Preceded in death by her husband David G. Fox, who she was married to for 49 years, and her son, Michael.
Were caregivers acknowledged?
Special thanks were given to her caregivers Elois, Belinda, and Angela, and the staff at Belmont Village for their compassionate support.
Where was Mary Fox born?
Mary Fox was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, and was the eldest of three children, growing up with her brothers Chuck and Victor.
Summary of key features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age at death | 95 |
| Education | Mount Mary College (initial), Southern Methodist University (degree in special education) |
| Career | Teacher of children with special needs in Beaumont, Texas |
| Community involvement | Volunteer leader for school groups and scouts; member of Knights and Dames of Malta, Stewards of St. Peter, Dallas Vocation Guild |
| Family | Married David G. Fox (February 28, 1954); five children; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren |
| Services | Rosary and visitation: October 30, 2025; Celebration Mass: November 1, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Texas at Dallas Reinstates Track Programs
Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the French Connection Luncheon and Fashion Show
Dallas Police Investigate Homicide of Marie Brooks
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Mary Fox Obituary
- Fox11: Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center Grand Opening
- Wichmann Funeral Homes: Margaret Schnese Obituary
- Fox11: Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center Opens with Activities
- Legacy: Mary Geenen Obituary
- Wikipedia: Special Education
- Google Search: Mary Fox
- Google Scholar: Mary Fox Special Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Special Education
- Google News: Texas Education Volunteers
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
