Mary Myra Costello

Published July 13, 2021

Mary Myra Costello

21 July, 1932 – 8 July, 2021

COSTELLO, Mary Myra (née Fitzsimmons)

“Ye banks, and braes, and streams around The castle o’ Montgomery, Green be your woods, and fair your flowers, Your waters never drumlie! There Simmer first unfald her robes, And there the langest tarry: For there I took the last Fareweel O’ my sweet Highland Mary.”
~ Robert Burns

COSTELLO, Mary Myra (née Fitzsimmons) – died at home in McConnell Manor, with family and caring staff by her side, on Thursday, July 8, 2021; age 88 years. Myra left this world to be reunited with her one true love, her “Bill” (husband William Costello deceased July 7, 2020).

Loving mother of Katrina Ouellette (Gene), Pauline Costello (Ron) and chosen daughter Elizabeth Loney. Cherished grandmother of Leonard Costello Smith (Leah Travis), Duncan Costello Smith (Anna Snyder) and Veronica Ouellette. Adored great-grandmother of Lincoln Everett. Dear sister of William (Doreen) and George. Predeceased by her parents Thomas Patrick and Christine (née Murray). Also predeceased by her brothers Christopher, James, John, Edward and Thomas. Myra will be missed by many family and friends in Canada and Scotland and dear friend Sandra Andrews.

Myra took immense pride and joy in the lives and accomplishments of her grandsons and their partners, as well as treasured granddaughter Veronica-Tate Ouellette. Through the marvels of modern technology Myra was tickled pink to engage and remain up-to-date with the antics of her great-grandson Lincoln Everett (son of Len and Leah).

Myra will be remembered for her kindness, humour and feistiness. Always quick to stop and talk with friends and strangers alike, Myra will be missed by many. Community and neighbours were important to Myra and she will be especially missed in the neighbourhoods of Henry Street, Fifth & Gloucester, Hillcrest and most recently the McConnell Manor.

Myra will also be remembered by many people who attended General Vanier and Cornwall Collegiate Secondary schools. Affectionately known as Mrs. “C”, Myra served up more than food at the cafeterias where she worked. All meals came with a side order of caring, humour and sometimes advice about manners. Myra also loved her work as a PSW at St. Joseph’s Villa where she took great pride in attending to the needs of the residents. In her later years Myra would repeat this work as primary caregiver for husband Bill through his many stages of dementia. The last year of Myra’s life illustrate the depths of her resilience, character and grit. After losing her beloved husband, Myra tackled breast cancer (surgery and treatment), and then in March, the Corona virus. After a long hospitalization at the Cornwall Community Hospital and St. Joseph’s rehab respectively, Myra was able to return home. With the incredible professional support and care of Chartwell McConnell Manor, Myra was able to spend her remaining weeks surrounded by a community dedicated to her comfort, well-being and dignity. The love and commitment of the Manor staff will be forever cherished by Pauline, Katrina and Elizabeth. A special thanks to Laurel Murray, Health and Wellness Manager at Chartwell McConnell Manor and her exceptional nursing team. Many thanks to the Paramed PSW team who had a lengthy caring relationship with Myra (and Bill) over several years. A special thanks also to the Housekeeping, Kitchen and Maintenance teams who attended to Myra’s changing needs over her last few weeks. To Craig Smith, Geriatric Assessor, for your care, support, and guidance over the years. Many thanks to Dr. Cook, Shauna and Brooke, Donna Trasuk and to Dr. Yu and her palliative team. Cremation. Funeral arrangements under the care and direction of LAHAIE AND SULLIVAN CORNWALL FUNERAL HOMES, WEST BRANCH, 20 Seventh St West (613-932-8482). An inurnment for both Myra and Bill Costello will be taking place on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 10:30am, at St. Lawrence Valley Cemetery. Family wish to invite all who would like to attend. As expressions of sympathy memorial donations to Cystic Fibrosis Canada or to the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated by the family. Messages of condolences may be left at www.lahaiesullivan.ca

“That heart that lo’ed me dearly! But still within my bosom’s core Shall live my Highland Mary.”
~ Robert Burns