Dolores Costello

Dolores Costello (Brodhead), 90, of Kingston, NY, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024. She was born on August 5,1934 in Kingston, the daughter of the late Eva (DeGraff) Brodhead and Nelson Brodhead. Dolores was raised in Lamontville, New York. She was one of 14 kids.

She cherished growing up on their little farm and often reminisced about her childhood. Dolores fondly recalled witnessing the loving relationship that her parents shared and how much their relationship imprinted on her. She absolutely adored her brothers and sisters. A self-professed "country girl," she vividly recited many tales of the laughter, mischief and adventures that she shared with her many siblings on the farm.

Dolores attended Kingston High School, which is where she first met her late husband of 67 years, William "Bill" Costello. She could tell you exactly what he was wearing the day that she first laid eyes on him. They were wed in April of 1955. She lived every word of her wedding vows to the letter from that day, until her last. 

Dolores was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She was the sweetest soul but ran an orderly household. She stressed responsibility and accountability. Yet, she always showed encouragement, care and kindness. She was firm, but never mean. She would discipline without anger. She would educate with patience. She would love without limits. She demonstrated forgiveness and led by example. You literally couldn't ask for a better mother.

Dolores also opened her home to countless people in need. If you needed a roof over your head, she provided a bed. If you were hungry, you were fed. If you were sick, she would nurse you to health. I cannot count how many people have stayed with us over the years. Short term. Long term. Whatever was required she would provide. 

The same could be said of animals. She took in cats, dogs, birds, fish, lizards, and rabbits. She even had a pet pig as a child. She would regularly put food out for stray animals in the neighborhood. She kept boxes of dog treats for the neighborhood dogs that always found themselves on our porch. She even fed the squirrels and wild animals that always seemed so abundant wherever we lived. 

Dolores attended Ulster County Community College for her LPN, and spent her professional career in the nursing field where she could display her natural gifts as a nurturer and caregiver. She's worked at Kingston Hospital, The Baptist Nursing Home, as well as in home care and private care nursing from New York to Texas, to name a few. She especially loved the children's ward, where her motherly instincts enhanced her abilities in her field. 

Dolores was a faithful member of St. Clara's Church of God in Christ (Now known as The Pointe Church) for nearly half a century. She has been the Head of the Floral Committee, as well as a beloved "Church Mother" over the years. Dolores also frequently devoted time to the hospital ministry, as well as farm ministry for migrant workers and refugees. She was passionate and steadfast in her faith. She read her Bible daily and could often be found in prayer.

Dolores spent her golden years surrounded by a host of friends and family. She relished countryside drives that usually ended with ice cream. She loved listening and singing along to gospel hymns and sometimes country music. Dolores also had a shocking sense of humor that made her more endearing to anyone who encountered her. She left you with a smile on your face and in your heart. A common phrase of hers was "Keep looking up!"

Dolores also had a quiet strength and resolve that would leave you in awe. Her ability to cope with life's difficulties was unrivaled. She would face adversity with a relentless spirit and calmness that demanded your admiration. She never became callous or distant but would be seemingly strengthened and inspired by what she could overcome. "It is what it is," she would often quote as she soldiered through life's trials and tribulations. 

Dolores was a textbook example of how a positive mind, spirit and a steadfast belief in God could lead one to a peaceful existence and a life to be treasured. Dolores WAS that treasure to all that had the esteemed privilege of knowing her love and kindness. She will be dearly missed, but she left a remarkable legacy and impact on the lives of those that she leaves behind. If you are reading this, I implore you to find you a Dolores Costello as a friend and companion. She was a gift that never stopped giving.

Dolores is survived by Her daughters: Vicky Costello and Tammy Moody (husband Stephone). Sons: Stephen Costello (wife Jennifer), Mario "Vinnie" Costello, Anthony "Tony" Costello, Glenn Costello (wife Bethany) and William Jackson (stepson). Granddaughters: Tyra Costello, Christine Costello, Shameika Brown, Marissa Costello-Keith (husband Philip), Tiera Costello, Zoe Costello, Mercedes McDole and Gabrielle Moody. Grandsons: Steven Costello, Anthony Costello, Brandon Costello (fiancé Anne Ricciardella), Giovanni Costello and Jayden Costello. 

Great-Granddaughters: Dnasiah Brown, Nevaeh Gipson, Amiyah Costello, Elle Costello, Madelyn Costello, Veda Williams, Luna Aflague, Maliyana Kuykemdall and Wren Williams. Great-Grandsons: Alex Harris, Devin Costello, Maddix Williams and Ezra Fry. 

Her sisters: Shirley Wade of Kingston, New York, Thelma Brodhead of New Paltz, Barbara Miller of Saugerties, New York, Beverly Harris (husband Lynn) of Oklahoma, Alice Sarv (husband Tony) of Venice, Florida and Marcia Wenzel (husband Edward) of Apex, North Carolina. Brothers: Nelson (June) Brodhead, Lawrence Brodhead (wife Patricia) and Chester Brodhead (wife Karen) of Kingston, New York. Her brother-in law Robert Kennedy, formerly of Kingston, New York and resides in North Carolina and sister-in-law Dorothy Brodhead of Kingston New York as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

In addition, Dolores was predeceased by her husband, William “Bill” Costello (aka The Whale), her sons: William "Billy" Costello, John Costello and George Costello. Her daughter Theresa Costello-Kogon, as well as Grandchildren: Tony Costello and Cleopatra Bodie. 

Dolores was also predeceased by her sister, Janet C. Kennedy of Kingston, New York and resided in North Carolina. Brothers: Raymond DeGraff (Brodhead), Eugene Brodhead, and Nathan (Pete) Brodhead of Kingston, New York. Sisters-in-law Gloria Brodhead of Woodstock, Arlene Brodhead of Kingston, New York and Carol Hicks of Springfield, Massachusetts. Brothers-in-law: Richard Wade of Kingston, New York, Gerald Miller of Kingston, New York, and Dr. William F. VanDerzee Jr of Springfield, MA. Father-in Law, William F. VanDerzee Sr of Kingston, New York. Mother-in Law, Francis "Frenchy" Costello of Brooklyn, New York.