Sunday, March 24, 2013

Obituary of Mrs. Mary King Costelloe

Obituaries for relatives are bittersweet things for me at times.

On one hand they can make me happy...they can make me smile and wish that I had known these individuals when they were living.  While on the other, they make me ache for those who had been left behind.

If you are related to this family please let me know.

All the Best,
Jessica

Alexandria Argus, Sept. 23 1926

Death of Mrs. John Costelloe

            With the passing away of Mrs. John Costelloe, nee Mary King, a link is severed with the past.  She was born in County Galway, Ireland, Nov. 12 1855 and died Sept. 14, 1926.  She left her native land with her parents in 1856.  Her early girl-hood days were spent in Maryland and West Virginia.  She was united in marriage to John Costelloe on May 18, 1874, at Westernport, Maryland where they lived until they came to Nebraska in February 1876.  They came direct to Alexandria and bought the “homestead right” of Mr. Phrimp – 3 ½ miles south-west of town.  These were pioneer days and John and Mrs. Costelloe had to endure the many trials of the early pioneers.  Nevertheless, under such trying conditions, they reared a large family.  In all eleven children were born to them, five of whom preceded her in death; Bartholomew, the oldest, died March 10, 1876, about one month following their  arrival in Nebraska; Anna died April 16, 1914 in Lewistown, Montana; Martin, Professor of Civil Engineering at Ames College, Iowa, died there on Jan. 12, 1918; Isabella died in the nurses training school of St. Joseph’s hospital, St. Joseph, Mo. October 23, 1918; Joseph died on the home place May 30, 1921. 
            Those who remain to mourn her loss with her husband are: Mrs. George Helget, Hebron; Mrs. R.D. Roode, Fairbury; Very Rev. J.T. Costelloe, Hillsboro, Oregon; Mrs. Frank Rau, Kolin, Mont.; Nora, who lived with her father; Mrs. Dill [Will] Cortney, Alexandria; one brother , Martin King LaGrande, Oregon; and one sister Mrs. Rose Maple, Normand, Oklahoma.
            The name of Mrs. Costelloe is enshrined in the hearts of all who knew her.  She was a living example of every Christian virtue, and if any one virtue predominated in her life more than another it was her great charity for all, which knew neither class nor creed.  The mainspring of her virtuous life was her unwavering faith which sustained her in the many trials which she had to endure during life.  The sterling qualities which she possessed she passed onto her family.  Not only did she labor ceaselessly so that her children might have a thorough secular education but she was careful to see that they got a sound religious one; and so we find that she has left behind her a family which reflects credit to the community and church to whey they belong.
            She had also the happy privilege of having her son a Priest, and we may say that under God he owes his Priesthood to the faith and devotion of his mother. 
            The funeral was held from St. Mary’s Church, Alexandria, on Friday, Sept. 17, at 10 o’clock.  Solemn Requiem High Mass was celebrated by her son, Very Rev. J.T. Costelloe; Father Carey, Fairbury, Deacon; Father Gilroy, Friend, Sub-Deacon; Father Harte, Master of Ceremonies; Father Ress of Hebron was also in attendance.  Burial was made in the Catholic cemetery.  May her soul rest in Peace.

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