Maureen Danehy Obituary, Death –Maureen Danehy Cox, a cherished member of the New Haven community, passed away on July 25, 2024, due to complications from ALS. Her passing marks the end of a life dedicated to family, career, and community. Maureen was the devoted wife and best friend of Robert B. Cox for 43 years and the loving mother of her son, Michael D. Cox. Her warmth, intelligence, and generosity touched everyone who knew her.
Born on May 9, 1954, in New Haven, Maureen was the daughter of Benjamin and Rosalie Jones Danehy and one of ten children. Her large family fostered her sense of confidence and security, as well as her deep appreciation for familial bonds. She pursued education at Our Lady of Victory in West Haven and Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden before achieving academic excellence at the College of the Holy Cross, where she was among the first women admitted. Maureen graduated magna cum laude and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She later earned her J.D. with honors from the University of Connecticut School of Law, contributing to the Law Review.
Maureen’s legal career was marked by distinction and trailblazing achievements. She joined Carmody & Torrance, now Carmody, Torrance, Sandak & Hennessey, becoming a partner and an esteemed litigator. Recognized as one of Connecticut’s top women in litigation by Benchmark Litigation, she broke barriers as the first female president of both the Connecticut Defense Lawyers Association and a state chapter nationwide.
Her accolades include serving as an Attorney Trial Referee, a James W. Cooper Fellow, and receiving numerous awards for leadership and advocacy. Maureen was committed to mentoring female lawyers, earning a place among Connecticut’s top women lawyers and receiving a professional writing award for appellate advocacy.
Outside her legal career, Maureen was an avid reader, devouring newspapers and books with equal enthusiasm. She cherished her Westville book club and surprised friends by embracing walking as a favorite pastime. Her love of sports, particularly UConn basketball, the Celtics, and the Yankees, was shared with her husband. Yet, her greatest joy came from supporting her son Mike on the ballfield, a testament to her devotion as a mother.
Maureen’s passion for New Haven was evident in her eagerness to explore the city’s cultural offerings, from exhibits to restaurants. Her love for music, shared with Bob, enriched their lives, creating lasting memories over four decades. Maureen’s legacy of kindness, intellect, and community spirit will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
