Helen Patricia Costello, nee Houlihan, age 88, of O'Fallon, Ill. born March 9, 1935, in East St. Louis, Ill., passed away peacefully in the company of family on October 27, 2023, at BJC Evelyn's House in Creve Coeur, Mo.

Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband, John 'Jack' Costello, on February 7, 1982; her parents, David and Margaret, nee O'Sullivan, Houlihan; and her siblings Elizabeth "Sissy" (Don) Koch, Ann (Danny) Aubuchon, Julia Houlihan, John (Betty) Houlihan and Mary Houlihan and also Duke, her faithful canine companion.

She is survived by her children Patty (Russ) Thoman of O'Fallon, Ill., Johnny (Linda Santoro) Costello of O'Fallon, Ill., Maggie (Dave) Wolf of O'Fallon, Ill., Annie (Brian) Cooper of Lake Orion, Mich. and Steve (Robin) Costello of O'Fallon, Ill.; grandchildren Meghan and Erin Thoman, Jessica, Bianca and Johnny Costello, Kaitlin (Justin) Vernier, Elizabeth (Corey) Morgan, David Wolf, Josh (Hannah) Cooper, Kelsey (Steven) Gaylord, Evan, Jack, Kerry and Joey Costello; great-grandchildren Skyler Breiter and Maeve Charleen Vernier; loving nieces and nephews; and many furry granddogs and grandcats.

The family is grateful to Helen's caregivers, especially Michelle and Cheryl Kuehn, and also the caregivers at Revela at O'Fallon and BJC Evelyn's House, who showed much love, care and compassion to Helen and her family.

Helen grew up in East St. Louis, a first-generation Irish-American, the youngest of six children. She graduated from St. Philip School and St. Teresa Academy, where she developed lifelong friendships. After graduating, Helen worked at Armour Meat Co., where she met her future husband, Jack, at their company softball game. They married on May 12, 1956, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Belleville because her church, St. Philip, burned down three weeks before their wedding. They established their home in Loisel Village in East St. Louis and then moved to O'Fallon in 1973. Helen was an active and faithful member of St. Philip, St. Clare and St. Nicholas Parishes during her life.

Her faith, family, friends and Irish heritage were her purpose in life. Helen was the rock for her family. She was an inspiration to many and was considered to be a pillar of love, hope and faith in her family and community. Grandma C, aka GMA, was the #1 fan of all her grandchildren and supported their many activities and sporting events.

For many years, Helen was actively involved in the St. Nicholas Ministry that organized a monthly bingo birthday party at the O'Fallon Nursing Home. She was a charter member of the O'Fallon Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary #4239, a charter member of St. Nicholas Yesterday's Kids and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Ladies Auxiliary. Helen also took part in many community activities by volunteering and coaching.

Helen enjoyed cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, gardening, being a part of the pinochle card groups, gathering with her friend groups and spoiling her grandkids with lots of love, pumpkin cake, apple crisp, ham & cabbage, cinnamon apples and chocolate chip pancakes. She lived a beautiful life and touched so many lives. She will forever be in our hearts.

Memorials may be made to St. Clare Catholic School, O'Fallon, Ill. or BJC Evelyn's House . Online condolences may be offered at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

Visitation: 4–8 p.m., Friday, November 3, 2023, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in O'Fallon, Ill. and from 10 – 11 a.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the church. The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians will conduct a ritual service at 5 pm, Friday, at the church. And Yesterday's Kids will conduct a walk-through at 10:15 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Funeral: Mass will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, with Rev. Nick Junker presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Shiloh, Ill.