Sister Mary Costello, RSM

Sister Mary Costello, a Sister of Mercy for more than 65 years and a well loved spiritual director known to many in Southern New England, entered eternal life on September 11, 2024, while in residence at the Bethany Home of Rhode Island. 

Though originally from New York, Mary found a welcoming community in Rhode Island and opted to stay in her new home state where she continued her ministry.  She worked for a number of years at Our Lady of Peace Spiritual Life Center in Narragansett and directed numerous retreats at Mercy Center in Madison, CT, and Genesis Center in Western Massachusetts.  Mary provided individual direction to many persons who found in her a peaceful and faith-filled presence.  In her later years, Sister Mary worked with the residents of Mount St Rita Health Center and assisted them through direction and guidance. Mary was a warm, kind, and easy going person who journeyed with many in their spiritual growth. 

Mary was one of four children of the late Walter and Mary Baile Costello and was born in New York City on August 16, 1939.  She attended Sacred Heart School and then St Catharine Academy in the Bronx.  Over the years, she earned a BA at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, a master’s in education at Manhattan College in New York City, a certificate in theology from the Jesuit School of Theology, and a masters in spirituality at the University of San Francisco in California.  Mary started her ministry in education but moved to spiritual direction where she was naturally gifted and where she found her most meaningful work.

Mary was predeceased by her parents and her two brothers, Walter and Patrick.  She is survived by one sister, Eileen Costello of Virginia, nieces and nephews, many friends, and her Sisters of Mercy Community. 

Her funeral will be held at St Aidan-St Patrick Parish, 1460 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, on Saturday, September 14, 2024.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Mercy Prayer Service at 9:45 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland, immediately following the Liturgy.   

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sisters of Mercy, 15 Highland View Road, Cumberland, RI 02864 would be appreciated.

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