Joan M. Costello, of Milford, beloved wife of Peter Costello for 69 years, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026. She was 91 years old. Joan was born in Mount Vernon, New York, on August 21, 1934 to the late Charles and Marie Voepel Kirchheim, though she mostly grew up in Burlington, VT. where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Vermont. Her long career included work as a floor nurse in various hospitals, supporting the family while her husband earned his doctoral degree. Once established in Milford in 1968, she became very involved in the community with work teaching nursing students at the University of Bridgeport and later as the Director of Education at Milford Hospital. There she designed and taught many community health education programs. Joan also served on the Milford Board of Health for many years and was active in the garden club. She and her family enjoyed many years sailing in New England on their boat, the Sandpiper and once retired enjoyed exploring the country, especially the Colorado mountains and the western states. Joan will be remembered for her kind smile and warm personality.
Survivors, in addition to her husband Peter, include her children, Paul Costello and his wife Theresa of Milford and Kristen Costello and her husband Brian Smith of Evergreen, CO, five grandchildren, Peter and Michael Costello, Aaron and Dylan Smith, and Scott McCoy, as well as four great-grandchildren, Avery, Oliver, Elijah and Shine and her life-long friend, Connie Young. Family and friends may call on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the GREGORY DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 291 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford, CT. Interment will be private. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date when more of her family can gather. To share a memory, please visit www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com
