Avelina Isabel Costa

Avelina Isabel Costa, the joy and light of our lives, passed away unexpectedly on October 19, 2025, at the age of 12.

Avelina was born in Walnut Creek, California, on August 26, 2013, into the loving family of parents, Robert "Bobby" and Robin Costa, and brothers Bobby III and Nathan. She was in 7th Grade at St. Bernard's Catholic School.

Though her time with us was far too short, she filled every moment with love, light, countless adventures and accomplishments. Her radiant spirit touched everyone who knew her. In just twelve years, she lived a life full of wonderful experiences that many spend a lifetime seeking.

Horses were Avelina's greatest passion. Her happiest days were spent at KickinSpurRanch in Waterford with her Junior Girls Rodeo Team practicing barrel racing, pole bending, and goat tying. She poured her heart into the sport, taking pride not only in her own progress, but also in celebrating the successes of her teammates. After rodeo practice, she and the girls would hop in the side-by-side to help feed the horses, their laughter echoing throughout the barn. One special rodeo team memory was a sleepover at the ranch, hosted by her coach, where the girls spent the night surrounded by the horses they loved. During the week, Avelina and her mom often visited the Costa Ranch on Union Island, enjoying peaceful evening horseback rides along levees and dirt roads beneath the open sky. In addition to the rodeo arena, she shined in the swine show ring at the San Joaquin AgFest, proudly showing Market Swine as a New Jerusalem 4-H Club member.

Avelina was a CYO Volleyball and Basketball team member at St. Bernard's Parish and always gave her best. One of her greatest joys was having her dad as her basketball coach until his passing in 2024. She was proud of him for the respect he earned from the players and parents. The last game he coached was especially intense, but Avelina's playful spirit shone through. When a Taylor Swift song came on, she broke into a little dance while in the team huddle - her dad smiled and kept coaching. This moment captured their special bond and her joyful heart.

Avelina was a best friend to everyone in her family. She was a daddy's girl, a momma's girl, and the best little sister to Bobby and Nathan. Her brothers always included their little sister when friends visited, and she loved being part of their activities. She enjoyed FaceTiming her brothers and sharing fun conversations.

She treasured her time with her dad, especially their evening drives to their ranches on Roberts and Union Islands, filled with laughter and life lessons. He taught her to drive, checked on crops, and visited the horses. He shared the richness of their Portuguese heritage, taking her to Festas and events at the Portuguese Hall. She loved his annual linguica-making parties and soaking in family traditions. Avelina shared in his love of agriculture and was a true cowgirl. She hoped to take over the farming operation legacy when she was old enough.

Avelina cherished her special "Mommy and Me" adventures. Every summer, she looked forward to their trips-whether hiking and riding scooters along the bike paths in Lake Tahoe, spending days at the beach in San Diego, Capitola, and Half Moon Bay, or climbing waterfalls in Yosemite. When there weren't rodeos, sports, or school activities, Robin and Avelina liked to explore new hiking trails, often inviting friends to join in the fun.

Nurturing friendships came naturally to Avelina. She loved spending time with her school friends: sharing her latest finds in fashion design, makeup techniques (she was a girly girl!), and chatting in group texts daily. When a close friend moved out of state, their bond remained unbroken through texts, weekend catch-ups, and FaceTime. Avelina's sweet voice still echoes through our home as we remember her laughter and conversations with her friends. She delighted in sleepovers, creating TikTok's, swimming, riding the quad, and blasting her favorite music during long showers at night..

Avelina shared her father's knack for connecting with friends of all ages. After her father passed, many friends and their families stepped in to support Avelina, Robin, and the boys. In Avelina's eyes, these people became extended family, and she affectionately referred to their children as "my cousins" or "my family." They cheered her on at rodeo and volleyball/basketball games, celebrated her successes, and shared in her joys. The "cousins" made time for ice cream outings, shopping trips, baking together, and even bringing her to work.

Though we will miss our precious angel every day, the thought of her safely in her father's arms once again eases our broken hearts.

Survivors include her mother, Robin Costa; brothers Robert "Bobby" Costa III and Nathan Costa; grandparents Patricia Costa, Robert "Bob" and Evelyn Costa; honorary uncle Larry Guillen; aunts Ann Herrington, Stephanie (Scott) Crawford, and Amanda Costa; Godparents Jimmy & Debbie Rinaldo; and many cousins and loving friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert "Bobby" Costa Jr., grandfather Manuel Costa, and uncle Robert (Bob) Herrington.

Avelina's Junior Girls Rodeo coaches and teammates have established the "Rodeoing for Avelina" Memorial Fund to give other young girls the opportunity to participate in the sport she loved. Donation checks may be made payable to "KickinSpurRanch Rodeoing for Avelina" and sent to:

Rodeoing for Avelina, P.O. Box 1189, Waterford, CA 95386

Visitation will be from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary/Vigil Service at Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 S. Central Ave., Tracy, CA 95376 at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 163 West Eaton Avenue, Tracy. She will be laid to rest immediately following at the Tracy Public Cemetery, 501 East Schulte Road, Tracy.

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