Madelyn K. Costello

Madelyn K. Costello “Grammy”, 93, of Brattleboro, died on January 15, surrounded by the love of family.

Madelyn was born on January 19,1931 to Mary (Karlson) Peterson and Aaron T. Peterson in Guilford, CT. She was the youngest of seven children. She grew up in Guilford and Branford and attended Branford High School. In younger years she worked at a local grocer in CT and at Gifford Memorial Hospital in Randolph VT. Later Madelyn began a career in home health care that spanned over two decades. She considered it a privilege to care for the elderly and the newborn. She had a nurturing soul and a compassionate heart that she openly shared with all.

Madelyn met her lifelong sweetheart, Bill Costello, when she was three years old. In 7th grade she accepted his invitation to the school social and so began the long and storied life they created together. They married July 9,1949 and together raised four children. Madelyn and Bill settled in Branford, CT until 1975 when they made the move to Barnard, VT. They spent more than thirty years in Barnard before deciding to hit the road in an RV becoming golden year gypsies. Many winters were spent in Hope, AZ and traveling the country together making new friends and wonderful memories of shared adventures. Later in life they lived in Maine with their much-loved daughter, Sandi. In July Madelyn and Bill celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends. Madelyn and Bill together were the anchor of their family, always a shelter in any storm. Bill passed on January 8 and Madelyn followed her sweetheart seven days later.

Grammy loved with all her heart. Her family was her pride and joy. Her fondest memories are of all the time she spent playing with and caring for the grandchildren. Much of her life was devoted to caring for others. She touched so many with her kindness and joyful nature. Grammy was a talented artist and enjoyed painting and writing poetry. She liked snowmobiling, ATV riding, the RV life and going to Nascar races. She had a deep and abiding love for all the cats and dogs that were a part of her life, they were a source of immense joy to her.

She is survived by a daughter Lisa Ewald and husband Steve of Cavendish VT, son in law Loren Thresher of Dedham ME, nine grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

She is predeceased by a daughter Cindi Wall, a son Bill Costello, a daughter Sandi Hennig, four sisters (Virginia, Dorothy, Ruth, Esther), and two brothers (William, Theodore).

The family will hold a celebration of life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society P.O. Box 702 Brownsville VT 05037 info@lucymac.org