Helen J. Cody

Portland - Helen J. Cody, 83, of Concord Street died peacefully on Thursday, February 5, 2015, at her home following several years of declining health. Helen was born in Portland, on May 22, 1931 the daughter of Polish Immigrants Karol and Michelina Cikota Dyro. She attended local schools and graduated from Portland High School. On May 26, 1951 Helen married Robert O. Cody at St. Louis Catholic Church in Portland. When her children were young, she worked part-time packing sardines, cleaning offices and at Jordan Meats. She also held a beauticians license and worked as a hairdresser. Her full time job was raising her children and taking care of the family home. Once the children were older, Helen went to work as a Unit Helper at Maine Medical Center, a job she held for many years. In her spare time she loved cooking, baking, canning, and entertaining family and friends. Helen was known for hosting all of the major holiday gatherings and family events. Helens greatest love was the time she spent with her family, especially her granddaughter. She was an active member of St. Louis Church for many years, serving on many committees and helping any way she could. She eagerly contributed her baking talents to bake sales and church suppers. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the wonderful caregivers, including Barbara and Milly, who assisted Helen during her illness. Helen was predeceased by her husband Robert, two daughters Carol Rose and Jean-Marie Cody, a son Thomas R. Cody, two sisters Mary Dyro and Pauline Dyro and a brother Joseph Dyro. She is survived by a daughter Elizabeth and her husband Glenn Israel of Cape Elizabeth; two sons Robert J. and his wife Sara Anne Cody of Portland and David M. Cody of Portland; a granddaughter Leah Israel of Cape Elizabeth; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 8:15a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, followed by a 9:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Louis Catholic Church, 279 Danforth Street, Portland. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com.