Our beloved mom, sister, cousin, devoted companion and loyal friend passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2019. She was surrounded by the love of her family as she left us and was joyfully received with an even greater love into the arms of Jesus. Brenda Lee Cody was a Valentine baby, born February 14, 1962 in Nampa, Idaho to Melvin and Dorothy Cody. A happy, precocious child, she was a wee bit spoiled by everyone since she was the youngest of her large family. With her bouncing red curls and countless freckles, she became the irresistible apple of her dad’s eye, and was always thereafter ‘a daddy’s girl’.
Brenda lived her entire life in Idaho. She was born at Mercy Medical Center in Nampa, spent her childhood between Glenn’s Ferry and Nampa (where she graduated high school), and was a resident of Boise during the last 10 years of her life.
A hard worker, Brenda enjoyed several jobs during her career that gave her great pleasure. For 15 years, she was employed as a Customer Service Representative for AIM International in Nampa where she developed many lasting and treasured friendships. Her most recent employment was with Lowry Dental where she remains a legend for her scheduling skills and, as before, her co-workers became dear friends. She took great pride in being part of the Lowry team.
Always musical, Brenda learned to play the bass guitar at a young age and subsequently sang and played in a band called “The Red Hots” with her husband, Matt Wilson, whom she married in the early 80’s. Many happy memories (and loyal groupies) resulted from their frequent performances around the valley during the decade that they played. But Brenda’s absolute happiest memory was the day that she gave birth to her only child, Alexia, in 1995. After 14 years of marriage, her dream to become a mom was finally realized and she was enormously proud of her beautiful little girl, whom she always called “my one and only.” Although she and Matt eventually parted ways, they were dedicated in their efforts to be the best co-parents to Lexi.
Brenda’s bouncy red curls would soon turn into a stunning copper mane that reached to the back of her knees in length and was her crowning glory for most of her life. This, coupled with her gorgeous blue eyes and porcelain complexion, made her a head-turning beauty with that enviable ageless quality that always made her look like a fresh and lovely teen.
While her outer beauty was compelling, her real beauty resided within. Friends and family remember Brenda fondly: ‘Sweet and loyal friend’, ‘a loving and proud mom’, ‘little sister-Brenda LuLu’, ‘fun to be around’, ‘caring’, ‘kind’, ‘very creative’, ‘non-judgmental’, ‘hard worker’, ‘generous and compassionate landlady’, ‘savvy thrift-shopper (her favorite pastime!)’, ‘loved to laugh’, ‘loved margaritas’, independent’, ‘feisty’, ‘”No worries!”, “Right on!”, and that sweet lilting “buh-buy” when she ended a phone call. We will miss her so.

In 2015, Brenda’s battle with breast cancer began. By her side throughout the entire ordeal was her longtime love and companion, Bren Ferris, who nurtured and sustained her with solicitous care and attention. Sharing life experiences both happy and sad, he was her rock and they remained devoted to each other until the end.
Left behind to mourn Brenda are her daughter, Alexia; siblings: Chris, Jake, Robin, Shannon, Melva, Mike, Cathy, and Carl; Bren and his family; Matt; numerous beloved cousins; and many, many friends, including her best four-legged pal, her poodle Pretty Boy.
Later in life, Brenda became a born-again Christian and one of her happiest memories was being baptized in the Boise River. We take comfort in the knowledge that she is now with her Savior in Paradise, reunited with her loved ones, and that we too will see her again one day soon.
“Buh-buy, sweet Brenda.”
The family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful and compassionate care Brenda received from the numerous St Luke’s physicians and staff, MSTI, and St Luke’s Hospice.
A celebration of Brenda’s life at a graveside service will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, August 20, at Cloverdale Memorial Park Cemetery, with a luncheon immediately following at Golden Corral, 8460 W Emerald St, Boise, between Milwaukee and Maple Grove.
Arrangements by Zeyer Funeral Chapel, Nampa. 208-467-7300
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your favorite animal charity, or to Your Kingdom Purpose Ministries at 264 Homer Ln, Donnelly, ID 83615.

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