Wilma Ann Costa

Wilma Ann Costa passed away peacefully at home Friday July 19, 2024 at the age of 96. Born in Watsonville, CA on October 3, 1927, she lived her entire life in the Monterey county area.
A graduate of Salinas High School, she met the love of her life Frank at the Watsonville roller rink. Their first date was at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk where they later celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
In addition to raising five children she worked as a nurse at Natividad Medical Center. She was vital in running Costa's Candy Cane Tree Farm and Peter Pumpkin Farm, which was featured in Sunset Magazine.
Being an excellent cook, she enjoyed hosting family gatherings and Sunday dinners with many signature dishes such as her famous company casserole. Also an avid gardener, Wilma grew many beautiful plants and flowers. She rode her lawn tractor well into her 90's on the ranch where she cared for many wild animals and beloved pets of all kinds.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Madeline Ludden; her husband Frank; her son Daniel; and her sisters, Barbara and Jean.
She is survived by her sons David (Lien) Costa and Frank (Carmelita) Costa; daughters Lisa (David) Monk and Susan (Bob) Monahan; eight grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Saturday July 27, 2024, 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM, with service to follow at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis St., Salinas, CA 93901. The burial will be held privately with the family at a later date.