Deborah Greer-Costello

DEBORAH GREER-COSTELLO, 41 died on May 18 with family and friends by her side. Debby was diagnosed with leukemia in 2005 and returned to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in 2008 when she suffered a relapse. A gifted writer, Deb began blogging online in 2003 and used her laptop as a window on her life with chemo, stem cell transplant and recovery. Her site, www.debutaunt.com garnered fans, especially other cancer patients, worldwide. Her funny, irreverent and often touching accounts made her a finalist in 2006 for The Best of Blogs in the Inspirational category. Deb's upbeat approach and advocacy for blood and platelet donations and the National Bone Marrow Registry won her local and state awards. She raised many thousands for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Societies in Houston, San Antonio and Austin. She was the keynote speaker for the 2007 Light the Night campaign in San Antonio. Deb graduated from Cypress Creek HS, Houston in 1985, and St. Edward's University, M.A. cum laude in Writing in 1991. She worked at the RGK Foundation, Pepsi Cola, Austin, and Price Waterhouse and as an editor at The Shaw Group, Houston. Deb was an avid member of the ACTS Communities at Prince of Peace, Houston, and Holy Spirit Catholic Church, San Antonio and the Houston Connect Singles Group. She is survived by daughter Zoe Costello, parents Jess and Marian Greer, sisters Michelle Greer, Jenna and husband Mark Whidby, Stephanie and husband Bill Stradley; and brothers Jeffrey Greer, Tom and wife Sonia Greer and James and wife Beth Greer; aunts Laura Axene, Joyce Jepson, Irene Santiago and Gladys Vietor; uncles David and wife Marcy Vietor and Bob Vietor, numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Jesse Greer, Jane Estes, A.H. and Gen Vietor; Anita and R.D. Borland, Delores Vietor and LeRoy Vietor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and she wants to encourage blood donations at M.D. Anderson or South Texas Blood Banks and participation in the National Marrow Registry. Deb was especially grateful for the college fund set up for Zoe; contributions may be made The Financial Advisory Group, Inc.; c/o David Jenkins; 5599 San Felipe, Suite 900; Houston, TX 77056. Please make out the checks to "College America" and in the memo field write "FBO: Zoe Costello." A vigil service will be Sat., May 23, 7 pm at St. Maximillian Kolbe, 10135 West Rd, Houston. Friends are invited to attend a celebration of her life on Sun., May 24, 2 pm at the Earthman Chapel, 8303 Katy Frwy, Houston. A funeral mass is pending at Holy Spirit Church, San Antonio. We thank the kind staffs at MD Anderson, Kindred NW and all the friends and family who cared for Debby and gave her nearly four years with us. For more information, visit mem.com.