Dr. Carolyn S. Cody, 69 of Lincoln passed away on May 25, 2021 after a short intense battle with esophageal cancer. Carolyn was born September 19, 1951 to Donald and Roberta (Klein) Cody. Carolyn received a BA from Macalester College St. Paul, Minnesota, and an MA from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. After working for several years, she returned to school and obtained her medical degree from Penn State School of Medicine. She completed her surgical residency at the University of Minnesota Medical Center.
Medicine was Carolyn’s love and she practiced it with kindness and compassion not only with her patients, but also her co-workers. She gave generously to all – she gave her skills as a surgeon, she gave her talents to many organizations including the Lincoln Artists Guild, Bryan Foundation Board of Directors, and the Lied Center for Performing Arts. She gave her time to all who knew her. She was always willing to offer assistance and support, or just listen. She was described as having an iron will that guarded what she wanted and believed, but also shielded a soft heart.
Carolyn shared the following with her nephew Sean after receiving her diagnosis: “I had a great life. I loved everything I did and got to share it with people I loved just as much. I’ve accomplished everything I set out to do.”
Carolyn is survived by brothers Doug (Doreen) Cody, Naples, Florida, Greg (Kelly) Cody, Lincoln Nebraska, nephews Sean and Ryan Cody, Lincoln, Nebraska, and her beloved cats Chipper, Pouffer, and Emma. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A celebration of Life reception will be held on Monday, June 21, 2021 from 4-7 pm at Hidden Valley Golf Course.
Memorials to the Bryan Foundation for the Dr. Carolyn Cody Memorial Scholarship, or the Cat House.
An amazing surgeon who cared for her patients with compassion, vitality and determination. Dr Cody performed my double mastectomy and I can distinctly remember her telling me . “You got this”. She wasn’t full of fluff but was a no nonsense caregiver. She treated the whole person and you always knew you were in good hands. She was a trailblazer and set the path for future female surgeons. May you Rest In Peace and Love and know your legacy will live on
De. Cody was a very compassionate and kind lady and an excellent surgeon. She walked alongside me during my second cancer and was always willing to listen. I heard stories of her love of family and how she cared for them. I am so sad to hear of her passing and extend my heartfelt sympathy and prayers to her family.
Truly sad to bear this amazing woman is no longer with us. She did so very much to help me in the beginning of my cancer journey. Such amazing compassion and patience. I will forever be thankful for her. My prayers to her family . Thank you for sharing her with us.
I never had the privilege of meeting or working with Dr. Cody, but by reputation I have known her as a skilled surgeon and a compassionate human. I extend my condolences to all left behind to grieve. May you all be comforted. May her memory be for a blessing.
Dr Cody was the best. I remember when she first moved here and didn’t have surgical privileges yet. I had a funky gall bladder and she said she would fo the surgery I her car which was brand new. If I wanted Later, she saved my life when she removed cancer from my breast. I loved her humor , her kindness and her expertise. Her impact in the medical field cannot be measured.
My deepest condolences and prayers for comfort are extended to Dr. Cody’s family, friends and colleagues. She assisted our family members through several surgeries, including an emergency with my daughter. When I asked the ER staff to call Dr. Cody she was there right away and was able to do two needed procedures with one surgery. Dr. Cody was kind, precise, and assuring, and funny. Our family is indebted to her.