Obituary of Barbara A. Costello

 Barbara A. Costello, 82, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on May 18, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Joseph and Eileen (Spillan) Steward, Barbara lived in Lawrenceville, NJ for the past 51 years. She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, John Costello Jr.; her adoring children, Barbara Fox, John and Kristen Costello; her beloved grandchildren, Zachary and Sarah Fox, Cameron and Patrick Costello; her dear sister, Marilyn Karl, and her husband, Edmund Karl Jr; many cherished nieces and nephews; and an infinite number of friends who meant the world to her. Barbara grew up in Philadelphia where she graduated from St. Mary’s Academy, was married at Holy Child Church, and worked at Hahnemann Hospital as an X-ray technician. In Lawrenceville, Barbara had a lasting impact on the community in countless ways. She worked for the school district for nearly 30 years, and was actively involved as a parent volunteer including PTA President. She also coached travel soccer for many years and was the assistant director for the township softball league. She faithfully attended the Church of St. Ann, taught CCD, and volunteered in various capacities through Catholic Charities. She was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 414 as well. Barbara was a long-time fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Mummers, was very proud of her Irish heritage, collected Teddy Bears, and loved all holidays, especially Christmas which she made special for everyone around her. She also enjoyed travelling with her family, spending summers in Ocean City, NJ, and fun times on their boat, “C” Bear. In her younger years, Barbara enjoyed performing with the Pennington Players, bowling, and challenging herself with jigsaw puzzles. Barbara will be missed most for her incredibly kind heart, joyful spirit, and easy conversation. She was a one-of-a-kind in the way she touched the lives of so many people. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, and niece, but she welcomed everyone into her “family” with open arms and loved them unconditionally. She had such a good outlook on life, even when times were tough. She was always thinking of others, often giving little remembrances, but expected nothing in return. She was a true role model of how to live life and in doing so, changed all of our lives for the better in one way or another. Barbara’s cheerful smile and genuineness will be missed dearly, as well as some of her favorite sayings which she would likely say to us all now: This too shall pass. Be careful and please give my love to all. God Bless You. Funeral services will be held at a later date when we can all be together to celebrate Barbara’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Barbara’s name to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please visit www.stjude.org/donate or a check can be mailed to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Please be sure to include Barbara’s name and Memorial ID #12022881.