Virginia M. Costello, 93, of Cheshire, wife of the late William J. Costello, died on March 14, peacefully at her home. She was born in Southington, to Mae (Mahan) and Harold  Jester in 1923 and then raised in New Haven with her ten siblings.

Her children and their spouses, Joan and Bruce Reynolds of Newtown, Maureen Kirk, Kathy and Paul Catino, and William Costello, all of Cheshire, and Jack and Siobhan Costello of Milldale; her sister-in-law Dorothy Pellegrino of Cheshire; eight wonderful grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends survive Mrs Costello.

Her sisters, Margaret Davis, Elizabeth Gravino, Gerry Wilson, Joan Hampton, Jeanne Nicolas, Shirley Jane Jester, and Mary Jane Jester; her brothers, Carl Melin, Harold Jester, and Fred Jester; and her son-in-law Douglas Kirk predeceased her.

She graduated from St John's Commercial High School, married the love of her life, Bill, in Wisconsin, and later worked at the British Consulate in Washington, DC.

Mr and Mrs Costello raised their five children in Cheshire, where she was involved in St Bridget's Ladies Guild when time permitted. Her home was her castle, as evidenced by all who passed through those welcoming doors on Avon Boulevard. She eventually worked outside her home at Gaylord Hospital and brought her pep, charm, and positive attitude to the workplace.

Her family would like to extend a special thanks and their gratitude to the most loving caregivers, Viveine, Winnie, and Nicole; and also the Franciscan Hospice caregivers for all the love and compassion they showed Mrs Costello.

Friends may greet her family at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main Street, Cheshire, on Friday, March 24 from 4 to 7 pm.

On Saturday, March 25, her funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 11:15 am, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at noon in St Thomas Becket Church, 435 North Brooksvale Road, Cheshire. Burial will be at the convenience of her family.

At the request of her family, memorial contributions may be made to the St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105 or to a charity of one's choice.

To leave condolences for her family or view Mrs Costello's tribute video, visit fordfh.com.