Roma Mary Costa

Roma Mary Costa, a wonderful and deeply-loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and widower passed away at the age of 97 on July 25, 2019 in Santa Cruz, CA. Born in Massachusetts on September 9, 1921 to French Canadian parents, she was the oldest of seven. As a child she often played with her cousin Leo, who she recalled frequently in her last days. Roma married Joseph Costa in 1935 and they were married until his passing in 1989. After 11 years of marriage, they decided to move to California. However, Roma fainted as they waited for the plane, which is how they learned of their first pregnancy. They stayed in MA until 1957 for all 6 of their children to come along, then moved the whole family to Santa Cruz. She worked sewing parachutes during WWII and was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Santa Cruz for more than a decade. She never learned to drive. She loved bowling and bingo, as well as singing Karaoke at 97 with Pat and Bob, her daughter and son-in-law. She was an avid San Francisco Giants fan. She will be remembered for her vibrant sense of humor, boisterous affection, love of food, unending kindness, and no-nonsense attitude. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, 7 September, 2019 at Benito & Azzaro located at 1050 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 with reception following. Roma’s family would like to give our sincere appreciation to Hospice of Santa Cruz County for the amazing care and support they provided Roma and her family. In that spirit we request that donations be made in Roma’s name to Hospice either at the service or via their website at: https://www.hospicesantacruz.org/donate-now/ We would also like to thank her caregiver Amie Botzon for all the years of love, support, and care. Thanks also to Claudia, Pilar and to Santa Cruz Post Acute who also provided excellent care to Roma. Roma loved, and was deeply loved by her children and their spouses: Pat & Bob Vasconcellos, Theresa Landino & John Mulhern, Bobby Costa (deceased), Billy Costa, Janet McLean, and Jimmy Costa, as well as her grand and great-grandchildren; Cindy, Dominique and Dalton Mekis Steve, Lori, Keagan and Dillyn Vasconcellos Chris, Belinda, Bryson, Jadynne and Sonya Swint Tyrene Partlow and Brian Moore Jason, Allison and McKenna Costa Sean Costa, Haylie, and Mia (deceased) Costa Matt Vasconcellos and Aurora Nick Landino David, Ryan and Joey McLean Je t'aime avec tout mon Coeur – I love you with all of my heart