Cody James Morse

Cody James Morse, 13, of Newark Valley, passed away unexpectedly on March 27, 2026. Cody was born on September 29, 2012, and lived a life of rooted in love through the joy he brought to those around him.

Cody will be remembered with deep love by all who knew him. He was a loving, kind, and intelligent young man whose gentle spirit and bright personality touched the lives of his family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to spend time with him. Though his time on earth was far too brief, the warmth he shared and the joy he brought to others will remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

He was loved more than words can express by his mother and stepfather Jessica and Kalebb Tofsrud, his siblings Joylnn (Cody Reil) Short, Alea Morse, Macen VanDerKarr, Kalebb Tofsrud, Jr. and Chase Tofsrud, his grandparents Cindy and Rollin Newton, Stephanie and Pat Parker, his great-grandmother Shirley Houston. He will also be deeply missed by his aunts and uncles Stephanie Newton, James and Christine Hall, Jenny, Jonathan Fairbank, and Becky Karl Burley, and his loving cousins Megan, Laurali (Karson), Kolina, Jolyne, Lily (Colby), Emma, Marissa, Nolan, Aspen, Canaan, Richard, Samantha, Sierra, Dani, Ochean, and Rivver, along with numerous extended family and friends.

Cody was predeceased by his great grandfather Nelson Houston, his aunt Joy Newton, and his cousins Kelli Ford and Samantha Stables.

Cody had a wide range of interests that reflected both his creativity and his playful spirit. He was gamer at heart, especially Minecraft and other Xbox games, and he especially enjoyed sharing that time with his stepdad, Kalebb. Those moments were more than just entertainment, they were times of connection, laughter, and memories that will be cherished always. He also loved swimming, where he could enjoy himself fully and embrace the simple happiness of being in the water.

Cody was known for his big heart and his remarkable ability to make others feel loved. He gave the best hugs, and he never missed an opportunity to say, "I love you." He had a gift for making people laugh, and his sense of humor brought lightness and joy wherever he went.

He also enjoyed building things and took pride in what he could create with his own hands. He built the shelves in his room and was especially good at putting things together. Cody was always the first to offer help to anyone who needed it, and his generous nature made him someone others could depend on. He found satisfaction in being useful and in making life a little easier for the people around him.

Cody loved to decorate for the holidays with his mom, and those special times together brought joy and meaning to the season. He embraced the spirit of celebration and family, and he helped make every holiday feel warm and memorable. These traditions reflected the close bonds he shared and the happiness he found in being part of everyday moments that became treasured memories.

He also had a special love for his cats, Boots, Smokey, and Chocolate. He enjoyed spending time with them and often took pictures of them, capturing their personalities and the little moments that made them so dear to him. He also loved taking pictures of sunsets and sunrises, appreciating the beauty of the world around him.

Relatives and friends are invited to a period of visitation on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the MacPherson Funeral Home, 5 Whig Street, Newark Valley, NY from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A service celebrating his life will be held privately. Cody will be laid to rest at the West Newark Cemetery. Memories and condolences can be shared in his online guestbook at www.macphersonfh.com.