Donna Cody passed away on April 24, 2024, peacefully in her sleep with family nearby.  She was born on May 24, 1932, to Thomas and Bertha Morgan in a farmhouse her parents were renting in Waupaca County, WI.  Subsequently, her family moved to, and she grew up on a small dairy farm in the township of Lanark just outside of Amherst, WI.  Her love for Waupaca and the Chain of Lakes inspired her to leave the farm and attend Waupaca High School, graduating in 1949.  The School chose her to attend the first International Home Economics Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, where the Wisconsin contingent was able to visit and be photographed in the President Truman Suite.

She continued her education at La Crosse State, graduating with a teaching degree, where she met her husband John Cody (Jack), and they were married in 1955.  Donna taught P.E. in Wausau and Westby public schools before moving with her husband to the University of Iowa, Iowa City and then the University of Wisconsin, Madison, as Jack completed his doctorate degree. In 1961, Donna moved with Jack to the University of Indiana, Bloomington and then to Southern Illinois University, Carbondale in 1965 where they raised their four children and lived a beautiful life for 53 years.

Donna returned to education and studied "early childhood" to teach English as a second language to international students at Unity Point School for 10 years. Also, she attended the American Floral Academy in Chicago and became a certified florist, and worked in nearby Murphysboro, Il. as a florist.

She was a devoted mother to her family and an involved member of the community attending countless events for her children, her Church, St. Francis Xavier, and SIU-C. She was a member of the SIU-C Women's' Club (president), SIU-C Newcomers (president), St. Franics Catholic Women, PEO Chapter and the Carbondale Garden Study Club for many years. Donna provided floral arrangements for St. Francis for 15 years.

Donna and Jack loved to travel, spending countless summer vacations at the Chain of Lakes in King, Wi. visiting Europe, South America and Australia and snow birding in Vero Beach Florida after Jack's retirement where they made several new friends over the years.

In 2017, Donna and Jack moved to Appleton, Wisconsin, so she could take care of Jack at a wonderful senior living facility, Touchmark. She is survived by her four children:  Lisa (Tom) Austin of Evansville, IN., Mary (David) Carrico of Paducah, KY., Thomas (Laura) Cody of Macomb, IL., and Timothy (Sara) Cody of Appleton, WI; nine grandchildren: Matt (Tara) Austin of St. Charles, MO., Samantha Austin of Evergreen, CO., Christopher Cody of Madison, WI., Claire Carrico of Paducah, KY, Ryan Cody of Macomb, IL., Andrew Cody of Macomb, IL., Patrick (Madison) Cody of Richmond, VA, Michaela Cody of Madison, WI., and Emma Cody of Webster City, IA.; and two great grandchildren: Jack and Keegan Austin of St. Charles, MO.

Survivors also include: her sister Elaine Zywicki of Milwaukee, brother Gary Morgan of Chicago and many nieces and nephews.  Donna's husband Jack predeceased her in 2017.

A memorial service for Donna will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W Pine Street, Appleton with Fr. Paul Demuth officiating.  Friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fox Valley Veteran Council, Inc. at: https://www.foxvalleyveterans.org/donate-now or St. Paul Catholic School in Macomb, Illinois at: https://www.stpaulmacomb.com/give/

A live stream of Donna's service can be viewed by clicking or entering the following link five minutes before the service: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a24051044134960