Montpelier, VT Janice Mary Cody, 86, died peacefully April 5th at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 20, 1925 in Colchester, VT the only child of Arthur and Constance (Corley) Bacon. Her early education was in Burlington. In 1939 the family moved to Montpelier where she graduated from St. Michael's High School. Jan attended Trinity College in Burlington, VT. She returned to Montpelier and worked at National Life Insurance Company. Jan married Robert Clinton Cody, her high school sweetheart, on October 28, 1947 at St. Augustine's Church. They lived their entire married life on Elm Street in Montpelier until his death March 6, 2011. Anyone who met them knew theirs was truly a love made in heaven. A devoted wife, loving mother of seven, and caring "Nana" of fifteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, she was a role model to her cherished family and extended family. Jan had a positive approach to life that was infectious. She made everyone feel special and supported her children with unconditional love. A member of St. Augustine's Parish, she served in many capacities for St. Michael's School and various other committees. Jan believed in community service and was committed to development of Vermont's youth. She was on the Board of the Hugh O'Brien Youth Organization, Mothers' Club, Girl Scouts Council, Wood Art Gallery, Montpelier War Memorial Committee, and National Federation of Women's Club, serving both as a state and national leader. She was especially proud of her service to Central Vermont Medical Center. She volunteered in many roles for the Central Vermont Medical Center Auxiliary serving two terms as President and Treasurer for many years. She was one of the founding members of the CVH 200 Club. Jan had a natural gift for bringing people of disparate viewpoints together for the common good of the community. She played a key role in the merger of Heaton Hospital and Barre City Hospital. She retired from the CVMC Board of Trustees in 2007, serving for over 30 years. Though an only child, Jan embraced Bob's large family and worked alongside her husband in the Cody family's many enterprises. She and Bob owned Cody Chevrolet – Cadillac where Jan served as its Vice President. She loved music – she played the piano and the cello, she loved to dance, the house was always filled with the Big Band sounds, Frank Sinatra (her favorite), Elvis, the Beatles and on through the generations – often buying the newest hits before her grandchildren. Jan instilled her love of reading in her children and grandchildren. Jan had many interests, but none more important than her family and community of Montpelier. She supported and guided her children and grandchildren with her grace and humor through the years. Janice leaves her seven children, Diane M. Patno and her husband William of Montpelier, Gen (Ret) Richard A. Cody and his wife Vicki of McLean, VA, William P. Cody and his wife Paula of Montpelier, Cathi A. Cody-Hudson and her husband Peter of Burlington, Robin C. Nicholson and her husband Mark of Barre, Robert C. Cody II and his wife Dena of Montpelier, and Lauri A. Cody and her husband Carl of Attleboro, MA. She also leaves her fifteen grandchildren: William Patno II, Robert Scott Patno, Cody Patno, Maj. Clinton Cody, Maj. Tyler Cody, Maj. Jason Cody, Maj. R. Todd Cody, CPT (Dr.) John Cody, Stephanie Cody, Christopher Hudson, Colin Hudson, Robert Cody III, Carson Cody, Hanna Fritz and Nicholas Fritz as well as her seven great-grandchildren: W. Cole Patno, Jadyn Patno, Eli Patno, Austin Cody, Zachary Cody, Lukas Patno, and Connor Cody. Jan also leaves her cousins Dr. Denton MacCarty and his wife Jackie, and Edward Langley and his wife Karlene, the Cody family -- Rayden J. Cody and his wife Ann, Conrad M. Cody and his wife Bettie, Donald M. Cody and his wife Yolande, Mary C. Bashara and her husband Frederick as well as many nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews, who will miss her beautiful smile and generous hugs. Besides her husband, she is predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Constance Bacon and Bob's parents, Richard and Lillian Cody. Her gracious manners, gentle demeanor and determined strength never faltered and remained with her through to the end. Visitation hours will be held on Saturday April 7 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, at Guare & Sons Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be held Monday April 9 at 11:00 AM at St. Augustine's Church in Montpelier. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: Central Vermont Medical Center, P.O. Box 547, Barre, VT 05641