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Katherine Costa Obituary

Family-Placed Obituary

KATHERINE COSTA Katherine (Fusaro) Costa, 88, of Boca Raton, FL, formerly Fall River, MA, passed away January 29, 2008 after a short illness. She was the wife of the late William Costa. Born in Fall River, Mrs. Costa was owner and operator of the former Beacon Garment Manufacturing in Fall River for 35 years, retiring and moving to Boca Raton, FL in 1993. She is survived by a daughter, Anne Marie Cormier of Somerset, MA; son, William D. Costa of Westport, MA; sister, Rose Habib of Fall River, MA; grandchildren: Barry and Michael Costa and Cheryl Miller; three great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Her funeral will be held Saturday February 2, 2008 at 9:00 AM in Our Lady of Grace Church, 569 Sanford Rd. Westport, MA. Visiting hours Friday, 4-7 PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St. Fall River. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905 www.waring-sullivan.com To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries

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Published by The Palm Beach Post on Jan. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Katherine Costa

24 Entries

February 11, 2008

Kay was a force of nature

Dear Ray and Anne Marie,

I'm so sorry to hear about Kay, but boy did she live an amazing life and what an extraordinary person she was. Energy is what came to mind when I thought of her, plus true brilliance combined with practical good sense -- and a very warm heart. It was always a joy to see her at the holidays. And she could feel awfully proud of you, Anne Marie, and the great kids you, in turn, raised -- and her great grandchildren, too. It's a real blessing to get to know great grandchildren.

We're thinking about you both.

With love,

EJ Dionne
Bethesda, MD

Irene Knox

February 5, 2008

Dearest Anne Marie and Bill;

May your mother's memories, including her thoughtfulness and kindness she brought to 700 NE Harbour Terrace bring you peace. She was well loved and a true friend indeed. As for myself, I could not be touched by an angel like Kay. Your mother has graced my heart with sunshine as the sun graces our world everyday. I will miss her dearly since she was such a lovely friend, confidante and welcomed me with open arms when I moved to Harbour Terrace 10 years ago. May such memories soften the sadness in your hearts since she was well loved by all.

Warmest and sincerest wishes from Irene Knox.

February 2, 2008

Dear Anne Marie, Ray and family,

John and I are thinking of you on this sad day. We hope you are getting through as best you can.
I just wanted to let you know we are thining of you.

Love from Gail C.

February 2, 2008

Billy and I want you to know this mom.

Until we’re grown we never know or fully realize how wonderful our mothers are. We simply take for granted, from day to day each sacrifice they make for us in their own loving way…

Mom you were an example of strength, strong determination and strong work ethics. These qualities did not go unnoticed. You held everything together under the pressures of life. You sacrificed so much for our happiness and the happiness of others. You gave tirelessly -working day and night to give us a better living. You have worked hard all your life and never taken no for an answer.

I am amazed by the stories I have heard for the first time at your bedside this week. Like your saying which Billy told me as we reminisced - Don’t just do it, Over do it. That was you. You did everything all the way. We have met strong women, but you are by far one of the strongest and We say this in honor of you.

We are proud to be your son and daughter. We hope to be as strong as you are, love as strong and live up to the legacy that you have and pass it on to the next generation.

Until we meet again rest in peace mom.

Anne Marie (Costa) Cormier

February 2, 2008

Monumental Life of Katherin Costa
In preparing this eulogy I spent many hours reflecting on my grandmother’s amazing life. And repeatedly one word kept surfacing in my thoughts – Monumental. According to Webster’s dictionary, monumental means colossal, epic, immense, massive, enormous, huge, historic, classic, significant, and important. Clearly this was the right word. Katherine Costa lived a monumental life and we were all fortunate enough to be part of it.
So how can I through thoughtfully chosen words that fit on a couple of pages capture the essence and significance of my grandmother’s life? Well, after a few days of struggling with this question, I finally realized that I can’t. So instead, I hope in the next few minutes to rekindle some of your fond memories of Kay.
Kay was many things to many people. She was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a provider, a business owner, a boss
Yes, many of us in this room worked for Kay at Beacon Garment. She employed her extended family – I even got to work in the factory during one of my high school vacations. She was such a terrific boss that many of her existing employees would recruit their friends and family.
Kay was undoubtedly a leader, a mentor, a teacher, a Feminist, a First Generation Italian-American, a fantastic cook
I loved my grandmother’s kitchen. Kay was the quintessential Italian grandmother. “Mange” was one of her favorite words, and there was always an abundance of delicious homemade treats to eat. As most of you know, everything my grandmother did, she did in an enormous way. Her meatballs were the size of a baseball, when she made ravioli, yes from scratch, she made tons of ravioli. There were ravioli drying throughout the house even on the beds
Devoted Catholic, and a dedicated Hilary Clinton Supporter.
I had the fortune four weeks ago to see my grandmother. During our few hours together she managed to quiz me on who I was supporting in the presidential election, and she was working hard to convince the nursing staff to vote for Hilary.
How did Kay fill all these different roles? Well first and foremost she did it with passion. When my grandmother was happy about something she beamed, and when she was angry the neighbors’ three houses down the street knew! As many of you know, Kay owned and operated a garment manufacturing shop for thirty-years. At the business’ peak she had 100 employees – rather impressive for a first generation American woman! Well during those years there were plenty of good times and challenging times. I had the fortune of sharing in those each Saturday morning as my mom, grandmother, Aunt Anne and I ran errands together. As we drove from place to place my grandmother would reenact the week’s trials and tribulations – all at the same volume, which was loud, and much to my mother’s chagrin, with the same, often times inappropriate, language.
Besides passionate, she was Loving, Hard Working, Demanding of self and others, Driven, Determined, Smart, Funny, well traveled, dignified, learner – curious mind, industrious, productive, caring, and strong.
In her lifetime she witnessed many historical events.
When Kay was 14 months old, Women in this country gained the right vote - I don’t think the timing of this was a coincidence.
Her elementary years took place during the roaring ‘20s
When she was ten years old, the stock market crashed on Black Tuesday and the great depression began.
By the time she was 20, economic stability returned to the country and to Kay’s family. With a high school diploma in hand and a two full time jobs at Anderson Little Company. Yes, I did say TWO full time jobs. This gutsy, hard-working young lady convinced the floor man at Anderson Little that she was a fast enough on a sewing machine to work two machines on the assembly line. Her performance was quickly noticed and it wasn’t long before she was promoted. And ultimately opened her own garment manufacturing business.
I have a poem that my mom gave to me when I was in high school and I have kept it with me since them. It is special to me for many reasons, but mostly because it captures how my grandmother lived her life. I would like to share this short poem written by Muriel Strobe.
Do not follow where the path may lead.
Go, instead, where there is no path
And leave a trail.

My grandmother has done this for my mother, for me, for my daughter and for many of you in this room. I am thankful that she has shown us the way.

So, what can we each do to honor this great woman? May I suggest that each of us over the next few days and months reflect upon our memories of Kay, truly feeling the warm emotions they evoke, and discovering the lessons we learned from her. She has left a trail for each of us, let’s honor her by following that path.

Cheryl Lynn (Cormier) Miller
Madison, CT

February 1, 2008

Anne, Ray, Bill, Cheryl, Mark & Family:
Jim & I are so sorry for the passing of your Mom / Grandmother. I did not know of her recent illness and I am so, so, sorry for your loss. I can remember her calling you at work Anne, she was a very strong, caring, and a true family supporter in all of your lives. I know you will all miss her and I can not imagine what you must be going through. Again, I am so sorry for your loss and you all are in our thoughts & prayers.

Love, Jane & Jim

Sharon Beede

January 31, 2008

May memories comfort you. May beautiful memories sustain you through this time of sorrow. Your Mother was very special to us.

Scott & Sharon Beede
Carmen Diaz
Shana Alexamder
Fatima Zohra
Stacey Walansky

January 31, 2008

Remember: LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO OWN AN UGLY BOAT!

Please extend to Annmarie and William our sincerest sympathy.

Sheila and Melvin

Richard and Linda Lacasse and Little

January 31, 2008

Dear Anne Marie,
We are saddened to hear about the loss of your mom; it is truly a difficult time when we lose a parent. She and you are in our prayers.

Andy & Margaret Sorano

January 31, 2008

Dear Anne,
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. Our sincerest condolences and prayers.

January 31, 2008

Dear Anne Marie,

Our deepest sympathies,

Love,

Peg and Barry

Peter and Margaret McCrea

January 31, 2008

Anne Marie, We are verry sorry for your loss.

January 31, 2008

Dear Anne & Ray:

So sorry to hear about your mom. Even though she was ill, her passing so quickly is a surprise.

Glad to know your brother is still here with you, I'm sure he'll be a big help.

Our thoughts are with you.

Carole & Dave

January 31, 2008

Dearest Anne Marie and Ray,

Please accept our most sincere condolences upon the death of Anne's Mother. She has been in our prayers since our visit together.

What is that old saying? Man supposes, God deposes!

There certainly was an answer to where Katherine was going. She was going to be better taken care of than anyone could here.

God give you peace in your bereavement.

Love,

Bob and Sandy

January 31, 2008

Ray, AnnMarie, Peggy and I were sorry to hear of your loss.

Regards,
Peter McCrea

January 31, 2008

Dear Anne Marie and Ray,

We are, indeed, sorry to hear about Kay. Please know that our
thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love Diane

January 31, 2008

So sorry to hear the news. We are all so saddened by the news but at least she is at peace now.

With deepest sympathy,

Karen Young

January 31, 2008

Dear Anne Marie and Ray,
I was so sorry to read the sad news. However, it must be a comfort to have been in FL with Anne's mom recently and for Anne and Bill to have been with her at the end. I know that will be a great comfort to all of you as time goes by.
It is never easy losing a parent no matter how old or sick they were. We are thinking of you.

Take care of yourselves.

Love, Lanie

January 31, 2008

Dear AnnMarie and Ray and all of your family,

My heart is filled with sadness and compassion for you in the loss of your mom.I pray for her passing over to a place of eternal peace and harmony and send all of you my sympathy and love.

Dore Van Dyke

January 31, 2008

Please give Anne my condolences...A person's legacy is the way we remember them and I am sure that she will be leaving a wonderful one.

Cheryl A. Fonseca
LPL Branch Manager
Linsco/Private Ledger

January 31, 2008

Dear Anne Marie,

John and I were very sorry to receive the news that your mother passed away. Please accept our sincere sympathy.

It appears that her illness was short. We hope she didn't suffer too much.

We will be thinking of you and your family. Please stay strong during this difficult time.

Love from John and Gail

January 31, 2008

I was so sorry to learn of Anne's mother's passing. She was always such a vibrant lady as I recall. It is so hard to lose a parent; seems like you are never ready to give them up. My deepest sympathy goes out to Anne Marie and all of Kay's family.
Thanks for letting me know, Ray. I'll keep in touch.

Hugs, Margaret Ruth

Wayne & Cindy Proulx

January 30, 2008

Anne Marie
Sorry to hear about your Mom. You are in our thoughts.

Richard Toucey

January 30, 2008

I am deeply sadden by the lost of Kay Costa. Her friends and fellow owners at Harbour East House will greatly miss the many things she did for the condo and never once asked recognition for her efforts. Also the wonderful aroma from her kitchen will be missed as she baked so many delicious types of food which she always shared with her friends. She will be deeply missed by all. She was in a class of her own.

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