Obituary of Kathyrn Ann Plocica-Cox

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kathryn Ann Plocica-Cox, who peacefully departed from this world on Friday, September 26, 2025 at the age of 84 in Fort Worth, Texas. Kathy was a beloved daughter and sister, wife, mother to four children, grandmother to five grandchildren, and friend to many. She was a women of strong character, steadfast resilience, unbounded creativity, abundant grace, and a pillar of strength and compassion. May God rest her soul.

Kathy was born on February 22, 1941 to Marilyn and Jack Thomsen in Neenah, Wisconsin. As a young girl, she enjoyed ice skating on the frozen lakes of Wisconsin and taking in all things Danish. Her Midwestern roots remained a source of great pride throughout her life and she never missed an opportunity to share with others the enchanting wonders of growing up in Wisconsin. While a teenager, she and her family moved from Wisconsin to Texas, where she formed a life-long love of Fort Worth. In early 1961, Kathy met a young pharmacist from Harbor Springs, Michigan, Joe Plocica, at Moreland Drugs in Westcliff Shopping Center and they later married on November 22, 1961 at First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth. Together, Kathy and Joe reared four children: Jennifer, Tim, Craig and Tanya. While working in the beauty industry for over forty years, Kathy focused her attention on her family and exposed them to many opportunities such as international travel, the visual and performing arts, gardening and higher education. Kathy will always be remembered for her gentle kindness, colorful creativity, and the unconditional love she shared with her family and friends. Additionally, Kathy will always be remembered for her special love of cats, many of whom she took in from the streets. Kathy volunteered for many community organizations including the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the Fort Worth Ballet, the Fort Worth Opera, and the Fort Worth Community Theatre. Throughout her life, she had a deep love of creating beauty through arts and crafts, including painting, drawing, quilling and a wide variety of other media. Additionally, Kathy always enjoyed making new friends from all walks of life. She knew no strangers. Kathy’s home was full of creative expressions ranging from the pink and purple clothing she wore to the bright and colorful flowers that adorned her beautiful backyard. Her home was particularly striking during Christmas when she decorated it with magical grandeur. Kathy’s home was always a place of refuge open to those who wanted to come and visit or just hang out.

Kathy’s legacy of love is greatly appreciated and will always remain in our hearts. May she rest in peace.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Marilyn and Jack Thomsen; her loving husband of 37 years, Joseph William Plocica; her loving second husband of 18 years, Robert O. Cox; her sisters, Sue Belson (Chuck) and Jill Corrigan (Bob) as well as her older brother Doug Thomsen (Barbara). Kathy is survived by her younger brother Peter Thomsen; her four children Jennifer Plocica, Tim Plocica (Theresa), Craig Plocica (Sheryl) and Tanya Newman (Jake) as well as her three step-daughters Robyn Stanfill (Dennis), Lesley Cox (Robert) and Carolyn. Additionally, she is survived by her grandchildren, Julia Plocica-Anderson (Austin), Emma Plocica, David Plocica, Elsa Plocica and Josie Plocica as well as a host of loving relatives and friends.

The Plocica family would like to thank the many home healthcare professionals at St. John’s Residential Care Home who assisted Kathy and the family during her final months.

Should one like to make a gift in memory of Kathy, donations can be made to First Street Mission, First United Methodist Church, 800 West Fifth Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.