Tributes paid to ‘glamorous and giving’ former nurse, 91, who was well known in Northampton

A son has paid tribute to his mother who used to work as a nurse and in care settings in Northampton.

Margaret Cody, who was born in Sheffield, before moving to Ireland and then to Northampton with her husband Tom 55 years ago, was 91 and just days away from her 92nd birthday, when she died on January 31 this year.

Despite being in her nineties, the grandmother and great-grandmother still had a very active social life and remained a committed member of Northampton’s Al-Anon organisation, until she left the town in August last year to stay with family in Ireland as she grew ‘fed up’ of Covid-19 restrictions.

Margaret stayed in Cork until she passed away peacefully in a hospice due to cancer.

Her son, Paul Cody, has now paid tribute to his mother who he says will ‘live on in the hearts of those who loved her’.

Paul said: “Mum and dad had absolutely nothing and they sold everything they had to move us from Ireland to Northampton as my dad was in the shoe trade.

“They both worked two jobs. Mum worked as a night nurse in Creaton, as well as in nursing homes.

“They worked hard to save up and buy their house in Far Cotton. They started with nothing, worked hard and didn’t end up with much, but they had a good life.”

Margaret’s husband passed away suddenly on Christmas Eve in 1984, but Paul recalls his mum still cooking Christmas dinner the following day.

Despite her own heartache, Margaret continued her commitment to Al-Anon as well as volunteering with the Samaritans until she was in her eighties.

As well as raising her own two sons, she also raised her two nieces epitomising Paul’s description of Margaret being an incredibly ‘giving’ person.

The former nurse’s social life continued into her later years, as she remained busy and active and continued to drive into her nineties, so much so that Paul jokes that he used to have to ‘make an appointment’ to see his mum.

Paul added: “Mum had a quality about her that meant she never appeared to age.

“Despite reaching her nineties she continued to travel, was particularly savvy on her iPad - facetiming friends and family - and enjoyed life and laughter.

“She also remained as glamorous as ever, insisting on manicures until the very end.

“She balanced wisdom, gained through navigating her own losses and struggles throughout her life, with a curiosity and open-mindedness which meant she continued to listen to, and learn from, others.

“She was for so many a great friend, inspiring mentor and dear companion.”

Margaret leaves behind a son, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, as well as her two nieces, their five children and eight grandchildren, who Margaret considered family ‘in the closest sense of the word’.

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