Laura Ann Costello

Laura Costello, 94, passed away on March 18, 2024 in Rockford, Illinois.  She was born on July 22, 1929 on the south side of Chicago to Michael and Gemma DeFrank, first generation Italian immigrants, who settled in Ottawa.  Her father started a small grocery store where Laura (“Dolly” to her family) worked part time after school, thus beginning her long legacy of baking, taking home the over ripe fruit and turning it into delicious desserts.  Laura graduated from Marycrest College in 1951, followed by a long teaching career.  She married Russell Costello on October 9, 1954 in Ottawa, and later moved to Rockford where they raised their family.   She was a devoted and loving wife and mother of seven children.  In the mid-70s, Laura began a curriculum for special education, studying and attending classes in the evening to obtain certification, while still teaching and raising her large family.  She was an active member of Holy Family Church and the St. Anne’s Auxiliary, an avid and excellent bridge player, a most gracious hostess, self-taught seamstress, loved a good novel and cherished family gatherings, especially when surrounded by her grandchildren.  Family and friends will remember her wonderful cooking, her kind and gentle spirit, her sense of humor and her faith.  

Laura is survived by her children, Denise Costello, Russell (Catherine) Costello, Dennis (Sue) Costello, Steve (Tina) Costello, Cynthia Costello, Jim (Amy) Costello and Mark (Beth) Costello; grandchildren Michael Costello, Elizabeth Costello, Christopher Costello, Alexandra (Danny) Sahlani, Emma Costello, Francesca Costello, Ben Costello and Olivia Costello; brother-in-law, Mike "Mickey" Costello; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents, husband Russell Costello, brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Florence DeFrank, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Roger and Patricia Costello and sister-in-law, Janice Costello. 

 A Memorial Mass will take place on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, Illinois 61107.   Visitation will precede the Mass from 10:00 to 11:00 at the church.  Inurnment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Winnebago, Illinois.  Memorials to St. Anne Auxiliary; St. Elizabeth Community Center.   To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.  The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the dedicated nurses and staff at Ascension Living St. Anne Place for their kind and compassionate care.