Obituary of Claire M. Codey
Claire M. (Duffy) Codey, 79, of Spring Lake Heights (formerly of Vailsburg; Montclair; Glen Ridge; Spring Lake; and Kiawah Island, SC) passed away after a long illness on December 11, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. Claire grew up in Montclair, NJ. She was a graduate of Immaculate Conception High School (’62) and Seton Hall University (’66). Prior to raising her children, she was a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Holy Family in Nutley and Sacred Heart in Bloomfield.
In 1968, Claire married her high school sweetheart, best friend, and fellow Immaculate graduate, Lawrence Codey. They shared 61 wonderful years together. Claire committed her life to her husband and children, and she loved being Mamo to her grandchildren. Claire had a quick wit, a good sense of humor, and was an avid reader and exceptional cook. She loved the beach and her pool and after moving full time to Kiawah, she could be found hours a day floating in her pool. She loved hosting Thanksgiving for her extended family in Kiawah and the time she was able to spend with her nieces, nephews and their children. As much as Claire enjoyed beach life on Kiawah Island, she equally enjoyed the slower pace of west Clare, Ireland, and her home in Doonbeg where she formed lasting friendships.
She was an active member of the Junior League of Newark and Glen Ridge, Charleston Garden Club, and Literary Volunteers of America.
Claire was predeceased by her parents, William Duffy and Margaret (O’Neil) Duffy; and her sister, Margaret (Duffy) Strahan.
Claire is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 55 years, Larry Codey; her children, David Codey of Morristown; Erin (Codey) Rumsey (Robert Rumsey) of Spring Lake Heights; and Mara Codey (Wilfrido DelSalto) of Spring Lake; and her grandchildren, Caden, Ethan, Bailey and Austin DelSalto. She is further survived by her sister, Eileen Frances of Caldwell; and her many nieces and nephews—all of whom she loved dearly.
Services will be private. A memorial mass will be held at a later date at Immaculate Conception Church in Montclair, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Immaculate Conception High School, 33 Cottage Place, Montclair, NJ 07042. To share a condolence with the family, please visit CodeyFH.com.
