Mary Cox

Mary Ann Heilig Cox, nee Russell, 94, born January 12, 1931, in St. Louis, MO, died Monday, December 29, 2025, at Dammert Geriatric Center at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL.

A Fontbonne College (Clayton, MO) honor graduate, she was employed at St. Louis University Law School, and later at the Belleville Catholic Diocesan newspaper, The Messenger, from which she retired in 1993 after 26 years of employment.

She was a member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Belleville, the NALC East St. Louis Auxiliary No. 97, Belleville Rebekah Lodge No. 415, the Ladies Auxiliary of Belleville VFW Post 1739, and the American Association of University Women. She volunteered at Radio Information Service for the Blind and Handicapped at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, the Belleville Diocesan School Office and the St. Henry’s Parish Prayer Chain.

She was proceeded in death by her first husband; Paul Gregory Heilig on June 24, 1982; her second husband, Commodore W. Cox, Sr. on August 28, 2005; her parents, Claude Elias and Mae, nee Meier, Russell; a brother, Richard Donald Russell (in infancy); and a step-son, Commodore William Cox, Jr.

Surviving are her two sons, Gregory Russell (Christine) Heilig of Waterloo, IL, Christopher Charles (Leslie) Heilig of Shiloh, IL, and one daughter, Katherine Ellen (Eric) Schlechte of Millstadt, IL. She is also survived by two grandsons, Byron Paul (Gabby) Heilig of O’Fallon, IL, Samuel Dane (Nikki) Schlechte of Millstadt, IL, and one granddaughter, Sarah Lynn (lan) Dahlstrom of Catonsville, MD. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends. She was also the mother and grandma to many beloved pets during her life.

Memorials may be made in the form of masses, or to St. Henry Catholic Church, Siteman Cancer Research Center. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Mary Ann’s family would also like to express our gratitude to the staff and residents of the Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine for the love and care they gave her during her residence there.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, January 2, 2026, at St. Henry Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.

Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 2, 2026, at St. Henry Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Kenneth York officiating.

Burial will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.

Obit Provided By:
Renner Funeral Home