Theresa J. Cody

LEXINGTON - Theresa J. (Merlina) Cody, 88, of Lexington, died peacefully on May 27th, surrounded by her family and in the care and love of the staff of the Prescott House Nursing Home, North Andover. One of six daughters, Theresa was raised by Saverio and Josephine (Besesi) Merlina of Sicily in Boston's West End. A devoted wife and mother, Theresa was married for 62 years to the love of her life, Arthur Cody, who died in 2005. She leaves behind her cherished daughters, Carol Viola and her husband David of Andover and Janice Whitney and her husband Daniel of Lexington; her four loving grandchildren, Mark Viola of Andover, Julie Viola of Brookline, Dana Whitney of Boston and Jason Whitney and his wife Jennifer of Acton; her two precious great-grandchildren, Jadyn and Joshua Whitney and two sisters, Ann DeGennaro of Quincy and Mary DelVecchio of Lexington and many nephews and nieces.. Theresa will be remembered for her sense of style and beauty, her needlework ability and for her self-taught artistry. Her hundreds of paintings are in family and friends' homes around the country. Most of all, she'll be remembered for her love and devotion to her family. Funeral services for Theresa were private. She was interred with her husband in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon. Memorial donations may be made to Allegiance Hospice Charitable Foundation, 67 Middle Street Suite 503, Lowell, MA. 01852. www.snow-ladeau.com