Sister Hope Mary Costello (formerly Sister Mary Rosita) died in Camilla Hall on Monday, June 3, 2024, in the 63rd year of her religious life.
Hope was born on March 2, 1941. Her parents Joseph Thomas and Rosemary (Endres) Costello raised Hope and her sister Faythe in Delaware County. Hope entered the Community from St. Alice Parish in Upper Darby. Hope attended several elementary schools (Sacred Heart, MBS, St Denis and St. Alice) before graduating from eighth grade in 1955. Hope attended West Catholic Girls’ High (1955-1959). While in Community, Hope earned her degree from Immaculata College.
Hope entered the Community on February 11, 1960. She received her habit and her religious name, Sister Mary Rosita, on August 16, 1960; Hope pronounced her First Vows on August 16, 1962.
From the fall of 1962 through the school year ending in 1997, Sister taught first grade children throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Sister affected many, many children and families with her gentle way, her excellence in teaching the little ones, and her fidelity to her religious vocation. Sister served primarily in the Philadelphia area. She instructed children in St. Dominic, St. Edmond, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Anselm, Little Flower in McAdoo, St. Jerome in Tamaqua, St. Eugene, St. Andrew in Newtown, and St. Agnes.
In the fall of 1997, Sister was appointed to serve as superior at Our Lady of Ransom Convent while teaching first graders. Next, Sister served as superior at St. Cyril Convent and provided religious enrichment for the St. Cyril school children.
In August 2009 through the school year ending in 2012, Sister Hope’s mode of service changed from a designated classroom teacher to a Middle School Assistant who influenced a whole array of children at St. William School.
In the fall of 2012 through June 2019, Sister resided at St. Barnabas Convent and assisted in Mary, Mother of Peace School. In 2019, Sister resided at St. Matthew Convent and assisted in their remarkably busy school office.
After 59 years of faithful, loving service to the People of God, Sister went to our residence at Camilla Hall as a valued member of the Prayer and Presence team. Sister served well and completely until her death on June 3, 2024. God rest you, Sister Hope.
In addition to her IHM Community, Sister Hope is survived by her sister Faythe Uminski. Sister is predeceased by her parents Joseph Thomas Costello and Rose Mary (Endres) Costello, and her brother-in-law, William F. Uminski.
Reverend James Endres (Homilist) and Reverend John Burger, SSC concelebrated Sister Hope Mary Costello’s Funeral Mass on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:
Camilla Hall Nursing Home
IHM Mission Advancement Office
230 IHM Drive
Malvern, PA 19355