Ann Christine “Chris” De Costa, age 90, passed away peacefully, at her daughter”s home in American Canyon, Oct. 24, 2006, surrounded by her loving family.
Our devoted Mother is together with her husband, family and friends in Heaven. Our dad has waited patiently since 2000, and now together, they will be happy for eternity.
Prior to her passing, family and friends came over to visit with her and reminisce about happier times.
Chris was married to Tony De Costa (a hydraulic engineer and Berkeley Fireman) for 65 years. Chris graduated from St. Joseph”s High School in Berkeley, married Tony, and started raising a family.
She is survived by her three children, Bob De Costa of Clearlake, Jim De Costa of Martinez and Irene Winnie of American Canyon; family includes son-in-law, Gary Winnie; daughter-in-law, Diana De Costa; grandchildren, Janet Blagg and Sara Schroeder who were constant companions to Chris, Terri Crowhurst, Phil De Costa, Justine De Costa, Dennis De Costa, Jennifer Krouse, Dave De Costa, Joe De Costa, Keith De Costa, Gary Winnie and Bryan Winnie; many great-grandchildren and other family members.
Her grandchildren, John De Costa and Tony De Costa, as well as her daughter-in-law, Bonnie De Costa, preceded Chris in death.
We will all miss her kindness and compassion for others.
Chris was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Clearlake for many years after Tony”s retirement from the Berkeley Fire Dept. and they were active in church activities. Father Pat of Holy Family Catholic Church in American Canyon came to visit Chris and give her blessings prior to her death, along with prayers from ministers of the church for which Chris was grateful.
Chris enjoyed being with family and especially family gatherings. She enjoyed sitting outside on the garden swing, watching birds in the birdbath and visiting with family and friends.
In her earlier days she enjoyed dancing with Tony at Sweets Ballroom, the Claremont Hotel and other Big Band hot spots. She enjoyed watching Tony play baseball, traveling to Hawaii, Canada, Europe and attending church. So many people will miss Chris because her gentleness and loving kindness has left a lasting impression on many people”s lives.
Special thanks to Dr. Crawford of Kaiser Vallejo, Hospice of Napa Valley and Caregivers from Home Instead for your kindness.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Napa Valley.
A Memorial Mass for Chris will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Clearlake.
Arrangements entrusted to Jones and Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, 707-994-6417.
Please sign the guest book at www.record-bee.com, then click obituaries.
(Published in the Lake County Record-Bee on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2006.)
