Gwendolyn Ellen Costello
August 31, 1943 ~ August 7, 2014
Services:
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 11:00AM in Holy Face Catholic Church, Great Mills, MD with Reverend Monsignor Michael Schmied officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Haitian Health Foundation, 100 Sherman Street, Norwich, CT 06360
Costello, Gwendolyn, “Gwen” 70 died of cancer Thursday, August 7, 2014 leaving behind her beloved husband of 39 years Richard and a dearly loved son Kevin. She is also survived by her mother Anna Catherine, “Kate” Bean (93), her sister Kathleen, “Cassie” Booth, and her two brothers Tom and Frank Bean. Gwen was a gifted writer having written and published over fifty Catholic religious education books and audio visual materials for adults, teenagers and children. She was an editor at Twenty Third Publications, in Mystic, CT before being named Publisher in 1999. More importantly however, it wasn’t what she accomplished during her life but who she was. Gwen cared deeply about the poor, the children of Haiti, and the victims of war. She was deeply spiritual and those who knew her recognized immediately the depth of faith that permeated all that she said and did. She loved films, but especially foreign films, traveling, reading, taking long walks with her beloved dog “Sammy” and sitting quietly with her God. Gwen’s passing leaves a profound sense of loss among all those who had the privilege to know and love her. She was like the morning star so strong and bright. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 11:00AM in Holy Face Catholic Church, Great Mills, MD, with Reverend Monsignor Michael Schmied officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Haitian Health Foundation, 100 Sherman Street, Norwich, CT 06360
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD.
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“The gift of Gwen will be missed in the catechetical community. My prayers are with you all. May Gwen rest in peace!”
“Aunt Gwen was a lovely, selfless individual who has shaped the lives in our family in such a way that we will forever be grateful. We are blessed to have known her and will forever cherish our memories of her. “
“Cousins grow up and grow apart. But the childhood memories last a lifetime. Love, Margie “
“Aunt Kate and all of Gwen’s family, Keep the fond memories and the knowing that Gwennie is no longer in pain close to your heart to help you through this time.”
“Richard,Kevin,Aunt Kate,Cassie,Tommy,Frankie and family. Gwennie was a lovely lady and so glad I had a few hours with her on July 14. Will miss her very much. So happy she is out of pain resting in peace in heaven with the rest of our family members.”
“Aunt Kate–I am sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers”
“Richard, Kevin, Aunt Kate, Cassie, Tommy, Frankie and Family, Gwennie was a beautiful and caring cousin. Glad she is free from cancer now and enjoying being home with our family in Haven! Keep all the great memories close to your heart. RIP Gwennie!”
“Dear Kate, My prayers are with you and the family during this time. Your daughter, Gwennie is a lovely, spirit filled person and heaven is blessed to have her. May her prayers help all the poor children of Haiti. May she watch over us all! Blessings and Peace!”
“Richard,Kevin, Aunt kate,Cassie Tom,Frank and Family, I will miss my phone calls with gwennie as well as our emails Rest in peace my beautiful cousin.”
“Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” I shall cherish Gwen’s prints in my heart forever. I will never know a more extraordinary woman. I am so blessed our paths crossed during these last years, and eternally grateful for the ways she made my world a better place. My deepest condolences to her family and everyone who loved her – especially Richard, whose heart aches unbearably. God bless.”
“I will always cherish Gwennie’s very kind heart and welcoming smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you Richard, Kevin, Aunt Kate, Cassie, Tom, Frank, and family.”
“One of the great joys of my life was knowing Gwen. She moved to Salem after we did but quickly became a friend. I and my family remember many fun times with her, Richard and Kevin. Our condolences to the family.”
“our prayers are with you all. May Gwen rest in peace!””
“Aunt Kate, Cassie, Tommy, Frankie, Richard & Kevin We are so sorry for your loss. Gwennie was a fun, loving and caring person. Now she is at peace in heaven with Uncle Frank, Dad & Mom and all the other relatives. “
“I will always remember Gwennie as a wonderful friend and cousin with a great sense of humor. When Dottie passed, she sent me one of her prayer books she had written, and I will always treasure it. May she rest in peace. “
“Gwen was a lovely Angel here on Earth. She deeply cared for all and her rewards in Heaven will be great. She touched us all in so many special ways. She is now in Heaven with my Mom, Odessa Rea, who shared rides with Gwen for their chemo treatments several years ago. Richard, Kevin and the Family–God Bless You All! Gwen is radiant while in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. “