I. Jean Costello

I. Jean Costello, 85, a longtime resident of Vanderbilt, passed away at home on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

Born on March 7, 1939, in Waters, Michigan, she was the daughter of William Paul and Lucy (Cassidy) Watkins. Jean was the first of six children to be born at her grandmother’s house. 

Trained as a nurse aide, Jean worked for more than 25 years at McReynolds Hall and many more years providing in-home healthcare, helping one patient in her home for over 20 years.

Jean was a longtime member of Vanderbilt Community Church. Her family and friends will long remember her as a giving woman who always thought of others first. She was a frequent presence at the daily coffee group at Mill Street in Vanderbilt. 

On October 22, 1969, Jean married Richard Costello. He preceded her in death on October 22, 1994. She was also preceded in death by her parents, William Paul and Lucy Watkins; a brother, William Carl Watkins; a sister and brother-in-law, Judy and John Mertes; and a daughter-in-law, Melissa Anne Costello.

Surviving are her children, Rhonda Costello of Mio, Paul (Ronnalee) Costello of Gaylord, Patrick Costello of Alanson, Michele (Paul) Paolino of Vanderbilt, and Edgar “Ed” Costello of Gaylord; grandchildren, Jessica (Dan) Pieper, Betsy Buckler, Taylor (Todd) Seidell, Josh (Brooke) Costello, Meganne Costello, Kaylynne Costello, Terran Costello, and Anthony Paolino; four great grandchildren; a brother, Russell Watkins of Solvang, CA; sisters, Cynthia (Richard) Hoover of Gaylord, and Janet (John) Rybiski of Wayland; a sister-in-law, Bonnie Watkins of Frederic; and many nieces and nephews. 

Jean’s family will visit with friends from 4:00-6:00 PM Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Funeral services will be held at 1100 AM Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Vanderbilt Community Church where visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Vanderbilt. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the church. 

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