Mary M. Costello

Teacher. Caregiver. Volunteer. Mother. Wife. Grandma. Mary M. Costello, nee McTigue, fully embraced a life of service in every way before she passed abruptly following a battle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of cancer. Mary was born on May 15, 1941 on the South Side of Chicago to parents Bridget (nee Harrington) and Michael McTigue, who both hailed from Ireland – a heritage Mary embraced. She and her mom shared a unique bond forged in adversity: Her Chicago police officer father died of a heart attack when she was a child. Mary attended St. Cajetan School before moving on to Academy of Our Lady, also known as Longwood Academy. A star student, she pursued an undergraduate degree in English at Mundelein College before earning her master’s degree in education from Loyola University Chicago, where she proudly recalled that her advisors included the legendary Sister Jean. Through it all, she developed friendships with classmates that would last a lifetime. After college, Mary embarked on a career as an elementary school teacher in Worth and Dolton, Ill., where her focus was first grade. During that time, she met the love of her life, John “Jack” Costello, and the two married in 1974. When the couple welcomed son Brian in 1976, Mary retired from the school district while shifting her teaching focus to a single pupil: her son, whom she served as a valuable tutor throughout life. Mary was known in her newfound home of Elmhurst, Ill., as a volunteer for District 205, where she brought her years of experience in the classroom to bear to help on a range of projects and programs. If a bulletin board needed seasonal decoration, or a field trip needed chaperoning, she was the first to raise her hand. She enjoyed great comradery with her neighbors, commemorating milestones occasions by filling each other’s front yards with flocks of plastic flamingoes. In addition to her commitment to education, Mary helped Jack establish a food service company. In between it all, she excelled as a player of tennis and bridge, establishing some of her closest circles of friends. And she was a lifelong lover of the arts, supporting the Art Institute of Chicago and regularly attending concerts, plays, and opera performances. Later in life, Mary served as a caregiver her husband, Jack, and to his sister, Eileen Mary Costello, who both predeceased her earlier this year. Mary is survived by son Brian and daughter-in-law Kristine (Kristi), and adoring grandchildren Abigail (Abbie), Beckett, Liam and Piper. Also surviving her are brothers-in-law Bernard (Blackie) and Thomas (Tom) Costello, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. Visitation Saturday, Oct. 12, 8:00 a.m. until time of prayers 9:00 a.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (1/2 mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst; Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Elmhurst. Interment All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Des Plaines. Live stream of funeral Mass available through funeral home website. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s honor to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 West 13400 South, #510, Herriman, Utah 84096. For funeral information, please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com.