Sister Julia Marie Cody, OP, of the Dominican Sisters, Sparkill, New York, died on November 14, 2021, in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent. She was 98 years old.
Born in St. Louis, MO, on August 14, 1923, Regina Marie was the daughter of James and Elizabeth Begley Cody. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8,1944 and received the name Sister Julia Marie. She professed her first vows in 1946 and final vows in 1951.
Sister Julia received a BA in Education from Webster College, St. Louis, MO, 1958, and Library Science Certification in 1969.
Sister Julia Marie began her teaching ministry at St. Rose of Lima School, New York, NY (1946-1947). She taught at the following schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, MO: Holy Redeemer School (1947-1952); St. Mark the Evangelist School (1952-1961); St. James the Greater School (1961-1968); St. Simon School (1968-1970); St. Elizabeth School (1970-1974); and St. Thomas More School (1974-1987). From 1987 to 1999, Sister Julia Marie was librarian at the St. Louis County Library.
Sister Julia Marie is predeceased by her parents James and Elizabeth Begley Cody, her siblings, Leo, James, John, Robert, Richard, Sister Marita Cody, OP, Catherine, Margaret, and Theresa. She is survived by loving nieces, nephews, her cousin Sister Patricia Cody, and her Dominican Sisters and Associates. Sister Julia Marie touched the lives of countless children and adults in her ministry of education as teacher and librarian with dedication and compassion. A gentle woman, she was committed to the mission of the Dominican Sisters for more than 75 years, proclaiming the reign of God through ministry for justice and reverence for all creation. May she be welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence—well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Julia Marie Cody!