Obituary for Colleen Costello
The world changed on April 15, 1982 when my dear sister Colleen tore into existence. Her life was too short, but she was an example for us all. She loved dearly and fought hard. There was no in between or half way – she only knew how to give her all. She had a charisma and charm that everyone noticed. She didn’t steal the spotlight, it gravitated to her just like everyone else. She received complete strangers as friends and treated all friends like family. Once you were in her circle, you were all the way in.
Colleen was naturally talented in athletics and arts. At Monsignor Michael O’Leary and Patrick Fogarty schools, she enjoyed running, dance, singing, playing musical instruments, and acting in drama productions. She loved swimming, canoeing, hiking and being in nature. She excelled in sciences. It was her greatest pride to have graduated from college as a Medical Lab Technician. She earned excellent marks especially in bench and clinical work, where her careful and meticulous nature made her stand out in the class.
She was exceptionally hard working and learned to do anything that came at her. She was always volunteering to stay late, do extra work, or cover for others. Her integrity, drive, and collegial personality made her an ideal employee and an excellent co-worker. She will be missed by those that had an opportunity to work by her side.
She loved animals of all kinds (especially the many dogs of every friend and neighbour). Animals loved her right back and would be drawn to her, no matter who else was in the room. They understood the nature of Colleen and connected immediately to that irrepressible love and joy that exuded from her.
Anyone who knew her will remember the moment of laughing harder than they’ve ever laughed as being with her. She was so silly and sweet and absolutely hilarious. And though we may have had darker moments with her, we always held on because the sunny days were always worth the stormy ones. She was a great giver of gifts, rememberer of occasions, and first one to lend support. She was also a great leaver of notes, never forgetting to sign off with love.
Colleen is survived by her siblings James and Caroline, her loving partner, Keith, and sister in law, Sue as well as numerous relatives in Canada, Ireland and beyond. Predeceased by her parents James and Barbara, Grandparents, as well as her beloved Aunt Sheila Culhane and Uncle James Murphy.
Deep and immeasurable thanks to the Critical Care team at TBRHSC, especially Dr. Kovacs and the numerous nurses and respiratory therapists that worked tirelessly. Your compassionate care of Colleen ensured she could give one more gift and pass her legendary lungs onto a lucky recipient.
Cremation has taken place and a Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 26, 2021 at St. Agnes R.C. Church at 2:30 pm with Rev. James Panikulam presiding. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to service time. As per COVID-19 regulations, Face Masks, hand sanitizing and social distancing are required.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any organization that supports good and valuable work in your community. Do something kind, for no reason.
Colleen was naturally talented in athletics and arts. At Monsignor Michael O’Leary and Patrick Fogarty schools, she enjoyed running, dance, singing, playing musical instruments, and acting in drama productions. She loved swimming, canoeing, hiking and being in nature. She excelled in sciences. It was her greatest pride to have graduated from college as a Medical Lab Technician. She earned excellent marks especially in bench and clinical work, where her careful and meticulous nature made her stand out in the class.
She was exceptionally hard working and learned to do anything that came at her. She was always volunteering to stay late, do extra work, or cover for others. Her integrity, drive, and collegial personality made her an ideal employee and an excellent co-worker. She will be missed by those that had an opportunity to work by her side.
She loved animals of all kinds (especially the many dogs of every friend and neighbour). Animals loved her right back and would be drawn to her, no matter who else was in the room. They understood the nature of Colleen and connected immediately to that irrepressible love and joy that exuded from her.
Anyone who knew her will remember the moment of laughing harder than they’ve ever laughed as being with her. She was so silly and sweet and absolutely hilarious. And though we may have had darker moments with her, we always held on because the sunny days were always worth the stormy ones. She was a great giver of gifts, rememberer of occasions, and first one to lend support. She was also a great leaver of notes, never forgetting to sign off with love.
Colleen is survived by her siblings James and Caroline, her loving partner, Keith, and sister in law, Sue as well as numerous relatives in Canada, Ireland and beyond. Predeceased by her parents James and Barbara, Grandparents, as well as her beloved Aunt Sheila Culhane and Uncle James Murphy.
Deep and immeasurable thanks to the Critical Care team at TBRHSC, especially Dr. Kovacs and the numerous nurses and respiratory therapists that worked tirelessly. Your compassionate care of Colleen ensured she could give one more gift and pass her legendary lungs onto a lucky recipient.
Cremation has taken place and a Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 26, 2021 at St. Agnes R.C. Church at 2:30 pm with Rev. James Panikulam presiding. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to service time. As per COVID-19 regulations, Face Masks, hand sanitizing and social distancing are required.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any organization that supports good and valuable work in your community. Do something kind, for no reason.