Babylon Comes Together To Help Family Of Woman Who Died Of Cancer

The Babylon community is coming together to help the family of a Babylon Village resident who died after a brief battle against cancer last month.

The lifelong local resident, Susan Bender Costanzo, passed away on April 19 at age 54.

She is survived by her loving Bill as well as her sons John, age 20, Chris, age 19, and Matt, age 15. In addition, she is survived by her siblings, Ruth Bender and Bill Bender; her mother, Joan Polites and her cousins; Art and Beth.

A fundraising campaign was started on GoFundMe to raise money for Costanzo's family.

"Susan was the heart of her family, the glue that held them together and made everything work," a message on the page states. "This is a family who has always given all they can to others in their community."

According to the page, Costanzo was a lifelong member of the Babylon Village community; a SUNY Binghamton Alumna, St. Joseph’s RC Church catechist, Babylon Community Scholarship committee member and could always be found at her son’s games, concerts and events.

Her husband William is a dedicated member of the Babylon Fire Department.

"They enjoyed their family life with love and joy," the page reads. "Susan had an infectious laugh and sincere personality that endeared her to family and friends everywhere she went."

The fundraiser had a goal of to raise $30,000 for the family to help offset living and college tuition expenses and pay any uncovered medical bills.

"Both of Susan’s older sons left college in March in order to be with her," the page reads. "This campaign is designed to try and assist with the tremendous struggle this family has endured."

As of Thursday, the page has raised a total of $16,900.

To learn more or to donate, visit the GoFundMe page here.

Photo: GoFundMe.com/The Family of Susan Bender Costanzo