Ellen H. Costa

1933 - 2021

Ellen H. Costa
Ellen H. Costa of Fairfield, CT, passed away at home on Friday, December 31, 2021 with the loving support of her family.
Ellen was born in Bridgeport, CT's east side on March 28, 1933 to Pauline and Michael Hudzik. She grew up in a close-knit immigrant neighborhood; making friendships that lasted her lifetime.
Ellen graduated from St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Elementary School and Harding High School in Bridgeport. Exceptionally bright, Ellen skipped two elementary grades and entered college at age 16. She attended the University of Bridgeport, graduating with honors in the first graduating class of the New Fones School of Dental Hygiene - not only the first dental hygiene school in CT, but also the world. As a dental hygienist, Ellen worked for the City of Bridgeport's Department of Health responsible for 5 public and Catholic schools. The children she served came from the same neighborhoods where she had grown up and later worked as a summer playground leader during her college years.
In 1953, Ellen married Frank J. Costa, a teacher, and later moved to Fairfield where they raised five children. Ellen was a loving wife and mother dedicated to her family. Their home was a gathering place for their large extended family and friends. She was a great cook and family meals were an important part of daily life; with always enough for unexpected guests. Family vacations to Cape Cod - including with her parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and friends - ensured that relationships remained close through the years. Ellen was mother to many beyond her own children, to those who sought her welcome embrace and wise council. Her kindness and strength, empathy and compassion, earned her respect and love by all who knew her.
Ellen's creative talent had a practical bent: she sewed, knitted and crocheted for the family at large and her lovely oil paintings adorned the walls of her home. She loved to read, learn new things, do crossword puzzles and engage her mind in problem solving. As a second career, Ellen returned to work in the Fairfield Public Schools, in both Fairfield Ludlowe and Warde High Schools, helping to instruct and support students with learning challenges.
As faith was an essential part of her life, Ellen was actively involved in Our Lady of the Assumption Church for over 65 years. In addition to attending weekly Mass and enrolling her children in their Catholic elementary school, Ellen served on the Church Board as a lay member; worked on numerous committees and fundraisers and served as a leader in the Emmaus Youth Retreat Program. For decades, she served as an Eucharistic Minister and sang in the Resurrection Choir for funerals. Music remained an important part of her life and Andrea Bocelli and Il Volo, in particular, serenaded the family during COVID's long quarantines.
Ellen was predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years, Frank J. Costa; daughter, Ellen M. Costa; parents, Michael and Pauline Hudzik; and sisters, Mary Alice Hudzik and Paula Gallagher. Survivors include her children: Michele M. Costa (Juan J. Callejas) of Astoria, NY; Charles C. Costa (Sue Ca-navari) of Eastham, MA; Susan M. Costa and Patty Costa of Monroe, CT; grandchildren, Christine N. Costa (Stephen Cohen) of Allston, MA and Matthew Costa (Anna Mattox) of Hartford, CT; siblings: Patricia H. Ness (Philip Ness) of Pittsburgh, PA; Cecilia R. Hudzik of Fairfield, CT; Michael G. Hudzik (Sue Hudzik) of Trumbull, CT; brother-in-law, James W. Gallagher of Sims-bury, CT and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and close family friends.
Relatives and Friends are invited to a Walk-Through Visitation at the Parente-Lauro Funeral Home, 559 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport, CT on Thursday, January 6, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Our Lady of the Assumption Church Hall, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield, CT at 11:00 a.m. Those present are requested to social distance and wear masks. Directly following the Mass, there will be an internment at Oak Lawn Cemetery, 1530 Bronson Road, Fairfield, CT. To sign an online guest book or to send private condolences please visit www.parentelauro.com
Donations may be made to the Bunnell High School Scholarship Fund (memo: Frank J. and Ellen H. Costa Memorial). Address: BHS, 1 Bulldog Blvd., Strat-ford, CT, 06614 or to Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Rd., Fairfield, CT 06825.
As a family, we would like to extend our profound appreciation to the Hart-ford Healthcare at Home and the Visiting Angels for their kindness and care.