Valentini Costa (nee Pastris) fell asleep in the Lord on May 22, 2019, at the age of 91. She passed peacefully in her sleep with her family by her side. She was born in the village of Moudros on the Island of Lemnos, Greece, on December 15, 1927. She was the oldest of her siblings and worked hard for her family. She immigrated to the US, lived in Philadelphia and married Augustus Costa in 1965. She was a devoted wife for 25 years until his death in 1991. She kept her love for him alive, speaking of him constantly and the life they shared.
She was a loving mother to Angelina and Georgette Costa White and son-in-law Michael White, proud YiaYia to Augustus and Constantine. Being a mom and grandmother were her favorite titles, and she excelled at both. She supported everything they did and relished in their accomplishments.
She was a respected and cherished friend to many who fondly remember her as being funny, humble, honest, and compassionate. She sincerely loved people and appreciated every small act of kindness. She was blessed to have many supportive friends who she considered family. She enjoyed their visits and long phone conversations about the good old days. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking and sharing traditional Greek dishes, sewing, knitting, reading, lively political debates, and taking care of her fur babies, her precious cats. She also loved going out whether it be to a show, dinner, or walk in the park with her kids. She always joked that her 25-year-old spirit was stuck in a 91-year-old body. Every opportunity to live the life she took.
She was an active steward of the Church of the Annunciation and enjoyed volunteering especially at the annual Church festival. She prayed daily and was very knowledgeable about her faith. She led a good Christian life because she was aware of the rewards and consequences of one’s actions, believing that everlasting life begins with earthly life.
She is predeceased by her parents Tarsia and Evangelos, husband Augustus, sister Fotini, and nephew William and survived by her daughters Angelina and Georgette (Michael), grandsons, Augustus and Constantine, sister Olga (George) and many nieces and nephews.
Services were held on May 29 at the Annunciation/Evangelismos Church in Elkins Park.
Memorial contributions in her name can be made to Annunciation Church Elkins Park or Holy Protection Monastery, 1 Saint Josephs Way, White Haven, PA 18661.