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Margaret Costanza
Margaret Costanza
Obituary
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Margaret Costanza Obituary
The San Diego County district attorney's office said she died after a battle with cancer. She joined the office as a public affairs officer in 2005.
Costanza was elected to the city council in Rochester, N.Y., in 1973 and met Carter the following year when he campaigned for her in an unsuccessful bid for Congress.
She was co-chair of Carter's presidential campaign in New York and seconded his nomination at the Democratic National Convention. In the White House, she was assistant to the president, the first woman to hold that office.
"The White House should be the President's window to the nation," she said, according to the district attorney's office.
Costanza remained active in Democratic politics after moving to San Diego in 1990.
She also worked for women's equality, the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, women's reproductive rights and the appointment of more women to political offices.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
32 Entries
Dr. Don Gala
June 24, 2013
I have thought of Midge often in the past, and I always wondered where she settled. Midge and I knew each other and she was a great help to me when I was in the USAF (her office being next to the Oval Office at the time). She was a special person with a desire to help others without gain for herself. The fact that I am just finding out about her indicates how many of us have allowed our busy lives to overshadow what is most important ..., our friends and family. She will be missed.
August 11, 2010
I'm still so sad to hear that Midge and Barbara Zartman both died this year. I think it was even in the same month.I worked with and respected both women.
But Midge also became my friend.
So many exciting moments with her. I was with her in her private suite when Carter won.Wnen she became his advisor,and was in the Whi...te House,she gave me and my friend her personal tour of the white house.smile But my history with her went back to when I was a college student at the University of Rohester..As vice mayor of Rochester,she was the speaker for the Susan B. Antony dinner. I got up at the Mike and asked her a question. Our friendship started there.
I stayed at her house or hotels in Rochester,N.Y.C. and D.C.
She loved all humanity,and and she loved me. Miss you Midge. R.I.P. I'll see you on the other side of the veil. smile
April 1, 2010
WILLIE GULLEY
April 1, 2010
For Margaret...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
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Chris Taylor
March 31, 2010
I was just thinking about Midge a few days ago. I can remember getting a note from her after attending the '76 Democratic Convention in NYC. She made a good impression on me as I'm sure she did with others over many years of her life. Rest in peace.
Jerry Seinfield
March 28, 2010
My sincere condolences to George and the rest of the immediate family.
DM
March 28, 2010
Margaret will be missed so much. A beautiful person indeed inside and out.
While she sleeps (Ecc 9:5,10) we shall think of the wonderful memories that she had made and look forward to the resurrection (John 5:28-29) to life, whereby God shall bring her back later amidst a paradise. Only then she will have to be concerned about dying no more (Rev 21:3-5) We look forward to hugging Margaret and expressing how much we missed her.
Sincerely, and with much love and affection
March 27, 2010
For Margaret...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
Jennie (Fortuna) Delvaux
March 26, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Margaret. We lived across the street from each other on 3rd St., in Rochester, NY. We were childhood friends. Our contact with each other ended when I left to be married and she went on with her political life. But, I always remember her great sense of humor and have many fond memories of growing up together. Anthony... I don't know if you remember me, but my name was Jennie Fortuna. Your Mother was my Godmother. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.
BOB SPECIAL
March 26, 2010
ANTHONY AND FAMILY, YOU KNOW HOW CLOSE MIDGE AND I WERE IN ROCHESTER. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO TELL YOU WHAT I FEEL.IDID NOT KEEP IN TOUCH,MY MISTAKE!I HATE MYSELF FOR NOT CLLING HER. I HOPE SHE WILL FORGIVE ME! I LOVE MIDGE!!! I KNOW YOU ARE VERY PROUD OF YOUR SISTER!!!"CELABRATE HER LIFE" SHE WOULD WANT IT THAT WAY.THINK OF HER LOVE,HER HUMOR,HER BEAUTIFUL SMILE AND ALL THE WONDERFUL THINGS SHE DID FOR SO MANY PEOPLE.BE HAPPY TO HAVE BENN LOVED BY SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PERSON!!! BE HAPPY YOU HAD HER FOR 77 WONDERFUL YEARS! SHE WAS MY FRIEND FOR ONLY56 YEARS! SHE WILL BE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER!SO LOOK UP AND SMILE,SHE IS AT PEACE AND GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF HER NOW. NO WORDS CAN SAY HOW MUCH I WILL MISS HER. I WILL NEVER SPEAK OF HER IN PASTHENCE ,SHE WILL ALWAYS BE RIGHT HERE IN MY HEART AND I AM SURE YOURS TOO. I LOVE YOU MIDGE!!!
Donald Hansen
March 26, 2010
Midge's Family,
Remembering old times as your classmate at 33 school and our 4 years together at East High. We had some fun double dating at Charlotte Beach and being your campaign manager at EHS. Always delighted in following your career. I pray that you are resting in peace with our Lord Jesus Christ.
LOVE.
March 26, 2010
Dear Midge's family: No words can express the loss I feel in the passing of a wonderful woman. Her standing in the commmunity as a longtime advocate for woman's and social reform will never be forgotten. However, as a friend and neighbor, I will always remember Midge for her big heart, her hugs, and wonderful sense of humor and laughter. May her light shine on forever.
KEN & MARY O'DANIEL
March 26, 2010
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE COSTANZA FAMILY,FRIENDS,&ALL WHO KNEW MARGARET.
Warren
March 26, 2010
She made a positive influence on America's evolving democracy
Jenn Moore
March 26, 2010
To Margarets Family:
When i was in 6th grade I did a report about Famous and influential women in politics. I picked her because she was not only challenged by being a woman in a "mans" world but also a latino with other responsibilities like a family. I think my report on her helped to develop a very independent strong willed woman out of me later in life. She touched my life in many ways and even though I never met her she will always be remembered. I have a 4 year old and she will learn of her accomplishments as one of the most influential women of all time, up there with greats like Amelia Earhart and Sandra Day O'Connor. May your heart be at peace that she has done her work and is on to sing with the angels. God Bless your entire family for sharing her with us.
March 25, 2010
I was shocked to read this news. I will always remember "Midge" Costanza as one of the trail blazers so early on. Peace to her soul and to those she left behind.
March 25, 2010
My condolences for the loss of
Margaret. May your memories and
the hope God gives bring your
family comfort.
John 5:28,29
Terri N
March 25, 2010
For Margaret...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
March 25, 2010
A wonderful woman who will be missed.
R Golay
March 24, 2010
To the the family of Margaret Costanza - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow,I know that Margaret will be missed by many.
Loraine Cruz Cummings
March 24, 2010
Dear Margaret "Midge" Costanza,
This notice was forwarded to me by a dear friend and I just had to comment after reading it. Since I believe that Life is never ending, I will direct my message directly to you. I wish that I had had the opportunity to get to know you. It sounds like you lived life to the fullest and in an unselfish and giving way. I wish that we could keep treasures like you around forever. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to work that way. As a cancer survivor myself, I understand the struggle and wish for you Godspeed to a truly better place in whatever form that you wish for it to take.
For those who knew and loved her, I wish you Peace and Love and again, I wish that I had known her.
Hasta nos vemos (until we see each other),
Loraine Cruz Cummings
Joe
March 24, 2010
Midge was one of the most outstanding public communicators I've had the pleasure of witnessing. When she spoke to a group, she had a unique quality to enlighten and inspire audiences that is beyond description.
She had a wonderful laugh, a ready wit and a lifetime of great experiences, wisdom and anecdotes that were plentiful, to say the least. All who knew her will miss her dearly. She left us on a day that historic and hard-fought landmark legislation was signed into law.
May her memory motivate more Americans to continue the good fight for more social justice and for the greater good...and to do so with intelligence and a warm and loving spirit...in the manner of the inimitable Midge Costanza.
Linda Phillips
March 24, 2010
I didn't know her personally, but she inspired me greatly. I was 10 years younger than she and new to the Women's Movement. I became a member of NOW, marched for our causes and was a member of a consciousness raising group. She was one of my heroes and I thank her for it. May she rest in peace. Linda Phillips
Margaret Oppliger
March 24, 2010
Midge was such a trail blazer. Those of us that had the privilege of knowing her and working with her derived true benefit and many laughs from that relationship. She will be dearly missed.
March 24, 2010
Midge was an assoc of owner of pro soccer team I worked for in Rochester and became a friend. I moved to Washington to another team and she moved there into White House about the same time. She never forgot that friendship and I was thrilled to be her guest at The White House on a few occasions. She was a fierce activist who I greatly admired and she never forgot where she came from. I am happy we were able to talk in last few years. May she rest in peace.
Terry Hanson
March 24, 2010
Midge was an assoc of owner of pro soccer team I worked for in Rochester and became a friend. I moved to Washington to another team and she moved there into White House about the same time. She never forgot that friendship and I was thrilled to be her guest at The White House on a few occasions. She was a fierce activist who I greatly admired and she never forgot where she came from. I am happy we were able to talk in last few years. My sympathy to her friends and family. May she rest in peace.
richard ybarra
March 24, 2010
Anyone who had the good fortune of knowing or spending time with Midgie (as President Carter called her) was happier and a better human being from the experience. Midgie was many things including a beautiful smile..... Vaya con Dios ....Richard (San Diego)
Leah
March 24, 2010
My sincere condolences to Ms. Costanza's family. She's the nicest person ever. I will definitely miss her with the great smile and sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
Rose
March 24, 2010
My sincere condolences to Ms. Costanza's family and loved ones on your loss. Please allow the Bible's wonderful promises for the future to bring you comfort. (Is. 61:2)
C.W.
March 24, 2010
Dear Costanza Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort in the all the days ahead. She was truly a remarkable woman. God bless all of you.
March 24, 2010
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. May the peace of God be the mourning family for God cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
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