Remembering Eileen M. Costello
Teacher. Traveler. Consummate family connector. Lifelong learner. Entrepreneur. Confidant. Adventurer. Loving sister and aunt. There are not enough superlatives in the English language to describe Eileen Mary Costello, who passed away on Feb. 6, 2024 – barely a month shy of her 84rd birthday (March 9) after a life lived fearlessly.
Eileen grew up on the South Side of Chicago, the daughter of loving parents Bernard and Dorothy Costello. She attended Visitation Catholic School and later received her undergraduate degree from Chicago Teachers College and her master’s degree from Loyola University Chicago.
After college, Eileen joined the Chicago Public Schools. She served with distinction as a teacher and counselor at schools including Budlong Elementary, where she was known for her compassion. She was adored by her students and colleagues.
Upon retiring from the schools, Eileen reinvented herself as a real estate entrepreneur, purchasing an apartment building and rehabbing it. During this second career, she moved into the building she overhauled in Lincoln Square after residing in Lincoln Park Tower in Lincoln Park for many years. She also lived in the West Loop.
Throughout it all, Eileen was a renaissance woman who enjoyed the arts and anything related to her Irish heritage. She was well-traveled, enjoying frequent vacations with friends and to see family in Ireland, Minnesota and California, as well as on the East Coast. She loved playing the piano, and had a particular affinity for Irish classics like “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” and “Danny Boy.”
In her later years, during her valiant battle with Alzheimer’s, Eileen resided at care homes in and around Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, including most recently Artis. Everywhere she went, she lit up her surroundings, befriending all of those around her.
She is survived by her three older brothers, Thomas “Tom” (Joan), Bernard “Blackie” (Ellen, may God rest her soul) and John “Jack” (Mary) Costello. Other survivors include her nieces Jennifer “Jenny” Costello McBride, Kathleen “Kathy” Costello Simpson, Maryellen Costello and Susan “Susie” Costello; and nephews Brian (Kristi), Barney “Jack” (Rachel), John and Thomas “Tom” (Rosalie) Costello. In addition, she is survived by a legion of adoring great-nieces and nephews.
Aunt Eileen will forever be in our hearts, minds and souls. As our ancestors say, “May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sunshine always warm your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Eileen’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation (https://alzfdn.org/).
Eileen wil always have a place in our hearts. As young kids Jeanie , Gail, Maureen and Carol would sit on her basement stairs and she had a blackboard where she would write our spelling words. So from a young age she was a true teacher. She as always reading the Sunday Visitor to see if the movie shows were approved by the church to go see
A great friend, a gentle and caring lady. Eileen would meet for lunch in Orland Park.
The group still meets , not as often as we’d like. But friends of of 80 years Missing Eileen.
Peachie Greaney ODonnell