Theresa J. Costello

Theresa J. Costello, 75, of Springfield, died at 10:35 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2007 at Bromenn Hospital in Normal. She was born on December 22, 1931 in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Thomas Joseph and Mary Kathleen Murphy Tavernor. She attended Ss. Peter & Paul Grade School and graduated from Lanphier High School and Browns Business College. She was employed as a personnel assistant with the Illinois Department of Personnel Research and Test Development until her retirement. She enjoyed painting, poetry and spending time with her family. Theresa was a very strong and generous woman, who battled breast cancer courageously for sixteen years. She is survived by one son: John Thomas (wife, Pam) Costello of Hummelstown, PA; two daughters: Michele (husband, John W.) Marr of Gridley and Kathleen Benner of Bloomington; seven grandchildren: Quincy Marr, Ambre Marr-Kennedy, Phoenix Marr, Tarah Benner, Courtney, Shane, and Ashley Costello; one sister: Marie “Taffy” Jacaway of Kent, WA and three brothers: Thomas Stanley (wife, Bernadette) Tavernor of Olympia, WA, John “Jack” (wife, Carol) Tavernor of Girard and William “Bill” Tavernor also of Girard and several nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and great nephews. Private family ceremonies will be held. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, New Berlin. The family of Theresa J. Costello is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.