Carol Louise English Fox, age 83 years, of Franklin Township, Hunterdon County, NJ, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Metuchen, NJ, September 6, 1935, daughter of the late Paul Michael and Mary Louise Fitzgerald English, she was raised in Metuchen before moving to Edison, NJ. In 1971, Carol moved to Pittstown, NJ where she and her late husband, Charles Robert “Bob” Fox, built their home to raise a growing family.

Family was always first in Carol’s life. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend is how she would certainly want to be remembered. With four children, she was always on the go, encouraging each of her children to be the best versions of themselves and to always follow their hearts in all of their actions.

Leading by example, Carol was practical, loyal and loving. She was also strong-willed and you always knew where you stood with her. She had a deep spirituality and her Catholic faith was extremely important. It taught her how to deal with the path of life in a way that provided encouragement at every turn or obstacle. She was a longtime communicant of St. Catherine of Siena Church, Pittstown, NJ, where she was a member of the Rosary Altar Society.

Always looking out for others, she was also a volunteer driver for over forty years with Hunterdon Meals on Wheels. She not only delivered meals, but delivered companionship and smiles. Her ability to talk to anyone about anything, led her to made connections across all lines. She also was a volunteer driver for many years with the Hunterdon County Office on Aging, transporting the elderly to medical appointments. Again her listening ear and thoughtful words helped many people through a tough day.

Carol was a lover of the outdoors and was a member of the Pittstown Trail Association as well as the Western Horse Owners Association. She loved horses and dogs and greatly enjoyed riding various trails experiencing the gift of God’s love.

Proud of her Irish heritage, she was fortunate enough to travel to Ireland and many other unique places. She particularly enjoyed the “Dude Ranches” of the American Southwest.

An avid reader, she enjoyed books of all kinds as well as crossword puzzles which she felt help her keep sharp and witty. She was known to beat anyone at Scrabble and also enjoyed heading to the casinos when the time allowed. Bowling was also part of her routine, and she was a member of several bowling leagues at Hunterdon Lanes. Her “bowling buddies” will forever remember her for the joy and laughter she brought to the lanes.

Carol would want each person reading this to not be saddened by her passing, but rather to be happy that she is now with the God whom she loved so much during this life. She would want to still your trembling hearts and also provide you with hope as you travel on, letting precious memories sustain you. No doubt she would say to you, in the words of the traditional Irish Blessing as we approach St. Patrick’s day: “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.  May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields… and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

This prayer encompasses everything Carol was about in life: faith, hope and love. This explanation from Clergy says: ““May The Road rise up to meet you” is about God’s blessing for your journey – may your walk be an easy one – with no huge mountains to climb or obstacles to overcome.  It alludes to three images from nature – the wind, sun and rain – as pictures of God’s care and provision. The “wind” can be likened to the Spirit of God, who came as a “mighty wind” at Pentacost. The suns warmth in the prayer reminds us of the tender mercies of God, “by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven” whilst the soft falling rain speaks of God’s provision and sustenance. Finally, we are reminded that we are held safe in God’s loving hands as we travel on our journey through life.”

Preceded in death by her husband Bob, surviving are four children, Laurel Fox, Karen Fox, Nancy Reed and Robert L. Fox; four grandchildren, Kyle Reed, Andrew Reed, Ryan Reed and Olivia Parisi; her fur babies, Marley, Cooper, and Tasse; numerous extended family; and many dear friends.

Carol’s family will receive friends on Friday, March 22, 2019 from 10:30-11:00 a.m. at the St. Catherine of Siena Parish Center, 142 Perryville Road, Hampton, NJ 08827.

A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Fr. Chester Zalubski, SBD will follow immediately at 11:00 a.m. in the Parish Center (*not the Church building currently under renovation*) to which all are welcome.

Burial will take place privately at a later date at Locust Grove Cemetery, Quakertown, NJ.

Complete funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Please visit Carol’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com where one can light a candle and leave a message of condolence and words of comfort, as well as share stories and photographs of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution’s may be made to the church at the above address or to Mylestone Equine Rescue, 227 Still Valley Road, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865.