CROSSEN

Barbara E. (Cox), age 98, a resident of Canton and a longtime former resident of Norwood and Brewster, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, May 15, 2026, at Cornerstone Assisted Living in Canton. She was the devoted wife of the late Robert J. Crossen, Sr.

Born on April 28, 1928, in Providence, RI, Barbara was one of two children and the only daughter of the late Francis J. Cox, Sr. and Alice V. (Keighley) Cox. She was raised in Providence and attended St. Francis Xavier Academy, graduating with the Class of 1946. She later continued her education at Bryant College.

Following her marriage to her beloved husband, Bob, Barbara moved from Rhode Island to Hyde Park, where they began raising their family. They later settled in Norwood, where she lived for many years. In time, Barbara and her husband relocated to Cape Cod, making their home in Brewster, where she cherished the charm and tranquility of the Cape. In her later years, she returned to the Norwood area to be closer to her family.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Barbara was an active parishioner at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Norwood and Our Lady of the Cape in Brewster. She was a devoted participant in parish life, including membership in the Catholic women’s societies at both churches.

In her spare time, Barbara enjoyed traveling and embraced the simple joys of life. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family, creating lasting memories with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild.

Barbara is survived by her loving children: Catherine Avellino and her husband Vincent of Braintree; Susan Pepin and her late husband James of Norwood; Robert J. Crossen, Jr. and his wife Margaret of Norwood; and John Crossen and his wife Mary of Hull. She was the proud and devoted grandmother of nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Barbara was predeceased by her brother, Francis J. Cox, Jr.

The Crossen family are truly grateful to the caring and compassionate staff at Cornerstone at Canton for the incredible support and attentive care they provided Barbara during her time there.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, May 20, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home, 1248 Washington Street, Norwood.

Barbara's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 547 Washington Street, Norwood. Please go directly to church, there will be no procession from the funeral home.

Following the Mass, attendees may join the procession to Highland Cemetery in Norwood, where she will be laid to rest with her husband.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute directly at: https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2100&mfc_pref=T&2100.donation=form1