Cody Raquel Serra

Cody Serra was born on August 29, 1933, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Antonio and Consuelo (Sanudo) Serra. Raised in the Catholic faith, Cody attended Catholic elementary and high school before earning her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in Argentina.

From an early age, Cody felt called to a life of service. In her own words, her life became a journey of “non-stop work in service fields, continued study to learn how to better serve the needy, and how to achieve social justice in our imperfect world.” While attending college, Cody lived and worked in a temporary shelter serving 20 homeless families. It was an experience that profoundly shaped her life. She often said that she received far more than she gave, learning lessons of empathy, compassion, honesty, hard work, trust in God, and the resilience of the human spirit.

One of Cody’s lifelong dreams was to study in the United States. That dream became a reality in the 1960s when she came to Michigan State University, where she earned both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Social Work. Her studies were driven by her desire to understand the “why” behind the social inequities she had witnessed throughout her life and to find ways to make a difference.

Cody spent four years in Alaska before making North Texas her home in 1976. Her professional life reflected her gifts for language, education, leadership, and service. For more than ten years during the 1980s and 1990s, she taught Spanish to priests and deacons through the Dallas Pastoral Center. She also provided translation services for the Liturgy Office, the Tribunal, and the Texas Catholic newspaper. Later in life, Cody continued to earn her living as a self-employed Spanish instructor and business translator.

Cody had a particular passion for leadership, especially in multicultural settings, and she was deeply committed to social justice and human rights. She continually sought to learn more about the world around her and to understand how she could positively influence situations about which she cared deeply.

Her faith was at the heart of her life. Cody was profoundly influenced by Jesuit priests throughout her life, whose example helped shape her understanding of faith, service, justice, and the dignity of every person. She tried to live each day as a witness to Jesus—not simply through her words, but through the way she served and cared for others.

Cody generously shared her gifts through her parish community, where she was actively involved in parish life and served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Whether teaching, translating, advocating, or simply listening, Cody sought to recognize the dignity of each person and to respond with compassion.

Throughout her life, Cody remained a lifelong learner and a passionate advocate for social justice. She believed that each person had something to teach us and that even in an imperfect world, individuals could make a difference through faith, service, and perseverance. For several years Cody served as a board member of the Monsignor Henry V. Petter Fund for Peace and Social Justice.

In her final months, Cody was blessed to be cared for by the staff and residents of St. Adelaide House. Their love, kindness, and compassion became a special gift to Cody, and she was cared for as a member of their family. Her loved ones are deeply grateful for the tenderness and dignity they extended to her.

Cody leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, courage, learning, and love. Her life was a testament to her belief that we are called to serve one another, to seek justice, to welcome people across cultures and differences, and above all, to be witnesses to Christ through the way we live.

May Cody now rest in the peace of the God whom she trusted throughout her life and may the example of her generous spirit continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

Donations may be made to Gospel of Life Disciples and Dwellings – the organization that makes places like Adelaide House possible.: https://snwbl.it/OBLwZB

A funeral mass will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, September 28, 2026 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 180 Samuel Blvd, Coppell, TX 75019