Obituary of Josephine Ann Costa

Josephine Costa, a long time resident of Dawson Creek, B.C passed away on Monday, December 15, 2014 in Dawson Creek at the age of 78 years. Mary Josephine Ann Riley was born on November 1st, 1936 in Teed's Mills, N.B. to parents Ambrose & Helena Riley. She was an only child, but she seemed happy just the same. She enjoyed growing up in the rural community of Woodstock just north of Teed's, and can be seen smiling in many pictures with the various different farm animals. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when she was just 10 years old, and Josie lost her dear mother Helena to Yellow Fever. Josie and her Dad did the best they could together. In the early 60's she went off to nursing school in Fredericton, NB. In 1963 she proudly graduated as a Registered Nurse. While working as a nurse in Fredericton, Josie met Jose Costa."Joe", was a Portuguese immigrant that had come to Canada as a bricklayer to make a better life for himself. Josie & Joe met at a dance in Fredericton and she soon fell head over heels in love with him. At the age of 29, Josie left her home for the first time. Josie & Joe spent the winter in Vancouver, where she gave birth to their first child, Joe Costa Jr. Joe Sr. got a job at the Bennett dam project and they moved North. They eventually settled in Dawson Creek, and within two years, they had two more children Teresa, and Tony. Now in her early 30's, Josie was developing a mental illness and struggled to care for her three small children while Joe Sr. was away much of the time working. Ultimately, this all proved to be too difficult for Josie, and she and Joe Sr. separated. She spent many years in and out of hospitals, and was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia. Unfortunately, this was not the end of her sad story. In 1992, Josie was run over by a car in a crosswalk and severely injured. Josie would spend the next couple of decades in long-term care, and started to develop dementia. Josie was a very kind and gentle lady. She was a loving mother, a trustworthy friend, and a woman devoted to her faith. She will be missed by all those who knew and loved her. Josie is survived by her Children; Joe Costa Jr., Teresa Costa, Tony Costa, Grandchildren; Landen Costa, Dawson Costa, Hudson Costa, Logun Boyer, Riley Boyer, Cruz Costa, Dylan Costa. A prayer service was held on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 7:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Home. A funeral service was held on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 1:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Home. Father Louis Kwena officiated, interment followed in the Brookside Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Josie to the CNIB P.O. Box 9410 Stn Terminal, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 9Z9 Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium