Helen "Cookie" Costello

WYOMING — Helen 'Cookie' Costello, 79, of Wyoming, formerly of Kingston, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.

Born Dec. 31, 1944, in Wilkes-Barre, Cookie was the daughter of the late John and Helen (Watchilla) Kozemko. She was a 1962 graduate of Coughlin High School, and previously worked at Blue Cross and the Wyoming Valley West School District.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by eight siblings, including her closest sister and best friend, Lorraine DelGaudio. Her husband, Jack Costello, also preceded her in death.

Left to miss and love her are: daughter, Tracy and her husband Robert Bogdan, of Wyoming, with whom she resided; and her son, Justin Costello, of Kingston; grandchildren: Rachel and Nathan Bogdan; beloved cat, Cookie (yep, same name), and tolerated dogs: Daisy, and Roxy. She has numerous nieces and nephews, who fondly knew her as Aunt Cookie, including: Lisa DelGaudio, Leslie DelGaudio, Lori DelGaudio, Walter and Kavita DelGaudio, and all their children.

For many years, Cookie seemed to be a real life Mr. Burns — all of her numerous diseases were in perfect balance, and she thrived. This was achieved by the excellent care she received from her many physicians, including: Patrick Kilduff, Bradley Fenster, Gary Langieri, and Nehal Aleemuddin.

Cookie had a complicated life, and complicated relationships. In her later years, she was able to reconnect with family, and build a strong bond with her grandchildren. Rachel and Nathan grew very close to her and will never forget her.

She was a ferocious reader and loved James Patterson novels. Her favorite artists were Elvis, Harry Belafonte, and Austin Butler. She loved Barack Obama, any velour outfit, leather Gap pants, her grandchildren's artwork, and Reese's peanut butter candy.

The family will gather for a celebration of life at a later date.

Arrangements were entrusted to Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home, Inc., Shavertown.