CODY (Muscato), Lillian A. of Billerica, MA, formerly of South Boston, MA, age 90, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 12, 2017.
Lillian is survived by her devoted sons Leo T. Cody, Jr, Esq. and his wife Debra of Billerica, MA, Gerard F. Cody and his wife Jane of Quincy, MA and Officer James A. Cody of South Boston, MA. She was predeceased by her husband, Leo T. Cody Sr., her son the Honorable William J. Cody, Esq. of Brockport, NY, her parents and eight brothers and sisters of which she was the youngest.
The circumstances of her death are eerily similar to the passing of her beloved husband. Leo and Lillian were married for over 69 years and were apart on this earth for just 82 days after their marriage. The cause of death and location of death were the same for both of them. It is likely that they had a secret lover’s pact that the family knew nothing about.
Lillian is also survived by her loving daughter-in-law Debra M. Cody of Brockport, NY and seven grandchildren, Sara Carey and her husband Matthew of Schenectady, NY, Michelle Lyons and her husband Michael of Denver, CO, Leo T. Cody III of Los Angeles, CA, Matthew Cody studying at the Mass. Maritime Academy, Grace, Liam and Jack of Quincy, MA, and many nieces and nephews.
Lillian was born in South Boston on April 12, 1927. During World War II and after, she supported the war effort by working for the US Army Quartermaster Depot. For her “outstanding, excellent and faithful service”, she received a Letter of Commendation by the Commanding Officer of the Boston Army Base. She later retired as a teacher’s aide from the Boston Public School System after working many years in Charlestown and South Boston.
Over the years, she was known as “Lilly”, “Mom”, “Ma”, “Grandma”, “Lillian”, and “Smiley”. The last name was affectionately given to her by the Sisters of Charity, the staff and her friends at the D’Youville Nursing Home in Lowell, where she resided for the past two plus years. The Friday afternoon sing along could not end without everyone joining Lillian in singing “Southie is My Hometown”. From there, it was off to Bingo. The family has fond memories of her always being in the kitchen preparing the next meal, always having a fresh baked good in the oven, and always having a gift ready whenever a grandchild stopped by. Thomas the Train and Dinosaurs for the boys, Beanie Babies and American Girl Doll accessories for the girls. Whether it be food, candy, dessert or a toy, you never left her house empty handed. Evenings found her husband in one room watching the Red Sox, while she recited the Rosary along with Mother Angelica in front of the TV in the Living Room.
Friends may call Thursday, June 15 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Casper Funeral Services located at 187 Dorchester Street, South Boston, MA.
A funeral mass will be held Friday, June 16, at 10:00 A.M. at the Gate of Heaven Church in South Boston, MA, interment following at Blue Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Lillian would be pleased if you thanked a nurse, an aide or a home health care provider. The family recognizes the care and support they all provided for Lillian and Leo over the past few years and that we were able to have them both at home in their final hours.