Mary A. (Michelin) Costello, age 91, of Monroe, MI passed away Saturday, August 2, 2025 in her home surrounded by her loving family.
Mary was born on December 15, 1933 in Cheboygan, MI. She was the daughter of Armand and Lena (Charboneau) Michelin. She married the love of her life, Joseph A. Costello, Sr., on September 5, 1953 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cheboygan; sadly, he preceded her in death on September 26, 2020.
She was a 1951 graduate of St. Charles High School, Cheboygan. Shortly after graduation, Mary attended Western Union Operator School in Crawfordsville, Indiana. She became a Western Union Operator and transferred to Monroe, MI for work in 1951. Mary continued her education journey by earning an Associate of Science Degree from Monroe County Community College in 1978, a Bachelor of Science Degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1980, and a Master's Degree in Education from Michigan State University in 1984. In 1980, she used her extensive education background to become a member of the Airport Public School system as a Special Education teacher for emotionally impaired children until her retirement in 1996.
Mary was a devout member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monroe, MI and loved her Catholic faith, especially in her devotion to Our Lady. Before its closing, she and her family had been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Monroe and had taught catechism there for many years.
She was a member of the Frenchtown Center for Active Adults Happy Hookers Crochet Group, a former member of the Monroe Herb Study Group, and Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. She was a Monroe News crossword aficionado, loved her flower gardens, especially her lilies, Hudsonville Traverse City Cherry Fudge ice cream, and Harry Potter (Hufflepuff House, of course).
She is survived by her six children and their spouses, Stephen and Kathy (Thompson) Costello, Anne and Bob Zochowski, Joseph and Amy (Cronenwett) Costello, Jr., Michael and Julie (LaRoy) Costello, Mary Vinton, and Barbara and Stanley Emerick; two brothers, Norman (Jackie) Michelin and Michael (Gina) Michelin; thirteen grandchildren, Gabrielle, Jennifer,
Sarah, Elizabeth, Monica, James, Anne, Joseph III, Anthony, Cameron, Russell and Brooke and twenty four great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Esther Maybank and Colleen Michelin; and twin brothers, Gene and Jerry Michelin.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Road, Monroe, MI where the Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. She will lie instate at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 8, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Mass of the Resurrection at 11 a.m. Rev. David Burgard will officiate with Rev. Michael Anagbogu co-celebrating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe.
Memorial contributions in Mary's honor are suggested to be sent to St. John the Baptist Church or Frenchtown Center for Active Adults.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .