Eileen Hannigan Costello

Eileen Hannigan Costello, age 100, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2021 in her home at The Hearth in Madison, CT. She was surrounded by those whom she loved and who loved her. Eileen was predeceased by her husband John, with whom she shared 53 years in loving marriage.

Eileen was born to Catherine (McNulty) and Patrick Hannigan on January 31, 1921 at Victoria Grace Hospital in New Haven, CT. She grew up in the “Hill section” of New Haven and attended St Peter’s and Commercial High School. In 1939, she began working for Southern New England Telephone as a long distance switchboard telephone operator where she remained until retirement in 1984. On July 4, 1944, she married the love of her life, John, and went on to raise five children all while working nights and later caring for her mother. She was an active member of the Columbian Ladies, Our Lady of Victory Ladies Guild and Madison Senior center

Eileen recently celebrated her 100th birthday, a remarkable milestone of which she was quite proud. Eileen was an eternal optimist who attended daily mass at St. Margaret’s Parish in Madison after moving there from West Haven in 2000. When her vision progressively declined, she listened to daily mass on television, never missing a day. Eileen’s sense of humor and unshakeable faith guided her life’s journey enabling her to overcome many obstacles in her 100 years.

Eileen was always up for a game of Scrabble or card games and, in earlier years, shuffleboard and golf. She and her husband John were former members of Homestead Acres Golf Club in Woodbridge where they enjoyed playing rounds of golf together. They also wintered for many years in Florida. She was a central figure at social gatherings and family events. Eileen’s molasses cookies and Congo Bars were always a hit. Her family was her world and she never missed an opportunity to express her gratitude and appreciation

She is survived by her five children and their spouses Ellen Olson (Ed) of Madison CT; Jack Costello (Julie) of Portland, OR; Jim Costello (Pam) of Stonington, CT: Michael Costello (Betty) of Concord, NC; Marianne Heffrin (Jim) of Marblehead, MA; and seven grandchildren, Jennifer Olson, Matthew Olson and Brian Costello (Keri) ,Ryan Batter (Hunt), Peter Heffrin, Kyle Heffrin, Kirby Heffrin, and one great granddaughter, Carter Costello.

Friends and family may visit Keenan Funeral Home, 330 Notch Hill Road, North Branford on Monday, May 3 from 9:30  a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow St. Margaret Church, 24 Academy Street, Madison at 11:00 a.m.  Interment at Oak Grove Cemetery, West Haven.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Road, Madison CT 06443 or St. Margaret Parish, 24 Academy Street, Madison, CT 06443.

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