Maureen A. Costello

Maureen Anne Costello, 63, died October 16, 2009 in State College, PA. Born in Waltham, MA, daughter of the late William Edward Costello and Evelyn (Douglas) Costello, Maureen served in the Peace Corps and taught at the Middle Eastern Technological University in Turkey for 10 years. For the past 22 years, she worked as academic advisor to international students at The Pennsylvania State University, which established The Maureen Costello Service Excellence Award. In honoring Maureen, it was noted that she inspired others with her generosity of spirit. “Maureen’s philosophy, ‘We all share in the responsibility to make things better’ is representative of how she lived her life. She shared her time, her expertise, her goodwill with people from every corner of the globe.” She had a lifelong interest in political issues. She was a passionate advocate for students, an animal lover and dedicated volunteer at an animal shelter, as well as a beloved sister, aunt and friend. Maureen enjoyed exploring farmers’ markets, cooking with fresh ingredients, watching birds, and reading mysteries. Maureen is survived by her brother, William Costello and his wife, Rosemary, of Boston, her sister, Ellen Costello and her husband, Geoffrey Greene, of Kingston, RI, and their children Stephen, Jonathan, and Caitlin. Visiting hours for family and friends are at the Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main St., Waltham on Friday, Nov. 13th from 4-7 p.m. A memorial service celebrating Maureen’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 at The Joyce Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the family plot in the Lincoln Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Ethel Beaver Fund, Children and Youth Services, 420 Holmes St., Bellefonte, PA, 16823 or made out to “Penn State” and sent to University Office of Global Programs, 410 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802. Please note on the check “Maureen Costello Award”.