In Memoriam

Mary Elizabeth Costello
Class of '42, Secretary

Mary Elizabeth Costello, 87, of New Hartford, NY, died Aug. 23, 2008 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. She was born in Utica, NY, on Oct. 7, 1920 to Thomas S. and Margaret Daily Costello. She graduated from SJC in 1942 and in 1954 received her master’s degree in social work from The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. She remained a loyal alumna of SJC and served as co-secretary for her class until the time of her death.

She was devoted to her family, sharing many wonderful times with them at their homes and on vacations. An avid boater, Mary Elizabeth owned and moored a boat for more than 30 years. She also enjoyed taking watercolor classes and was a supporter of the Utica Chamber Music Society.

She held a number of teaching and social work positions until 1988, when she retired as senior program specialist for the Family and Children Services for the State of New York, Albany. Before entering social work, Mary Elizabeth taught at Mount St. Agnes Junior College, Baltimore. She received a special certificate of recognition for her wartime contribution as instructor of U.S. cadet nurses.

In 1963 she received the Notre Dame High School (NY) Award for her work in community service projects and community leadership in social work. She also helped raise funds to provide scholarships to the school. When she returned to Utica in 1988, she became involved in recording oral histories of local residents. She was a member of the Oneida Historical Society, president and later publicity chair of the Guild of St. Elizabeth Medical Center, from which she received a service award, a board member of the hospital’s foundation, and a former member of the board of St. Elizabeth College of Nursing.

A former member of the board of Catholic Charities of Oneida and Madison counties, she was a lifelong member and past president pf the Utica International Federation of Catholic Alumni and a member of the National Federation of Social Workers. She was also on the board and served as vice president of the Catholic Women’s Club.

When she resided in Syracuse and Albany, Mary Elizabeth was active in parishes, as she was at Historic Old St. John’s Church, where she was a lifelong member and a minister of Holy Communion. She served on fund drives for parishes and the Diocese of Albany. She was a daily communicant at St. John the Evangelist Church, New Hartford, and often served as a lector.

Her parents, brother, Thomas D. Costello, and sister, Jeanne M. Costello, predeceased Mary Elizabeth. She is survived by her nephew, Thomas M. Costello, and two great-nephews and two great-nieces. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Elizabeth College or Nursing or to Historic Old St. John’s Church or the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida counties.

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