Virginia Boner Costa

Virginia Boner Costa, 101, of Terre Haute, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on January 18, 2026, and will be laid to rest at Roselawn Cemetery. A determined woman, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Virginia lived each of her 101 years with grace, generosity, and a heart open to service and love.

Born on December 28, 1924, in West Frankfort, Illinois, Virginia was the daughter of Coyl and Grace Shireman Boner. When her mother passed away from tuberculosis, Virginia—still a young girl herself—took on the care of her four younger siblings, guiding them through childhood and adolescence with unshakable patience and strength. Her early years of responsibility and compassion shaped the woman she became: selfless, independent, and nurturing.

Virginia graduated from Otter Creek High School in 1942 and married, Alfredo (Fred) Costa, on October 5, 1943. In 1955, the couple renewed their vows beneath the blessing of a Cardinal in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Italy—a moment of spiritual renewal that forever remained close to her heart.

In 1956, Virginia graduated from Harold’s Beauty Academy, adding beautician to her many titles, but her true artistry was in homemaking and hospitality. Virginia embraced her husband’s Italian heritage, learning to cook traditional Northern Italian cuisine from old-world women in her tiny community of Shirkieville, Indiana. Her home became a gathering place filled with the aroma of simmering sauces, giggling children, laughing friends, and clinking glasses. Virginia was a natural hostess who delighted in preparing and serving meals for family and friends.

Virginia’s warmth extended beyond her home. A devout Catholic, she was active in her parish at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Altar Society, Universal, Indiana. Her civic involvement reflected her commitment to uplifting her community. Virginia served as president and secretary of the Francis Vigo American-Italian Club and contributed her time to the Vigo County Historical Society and Terre Haute Humane Society. She loved animals, gardening, and especially her grandchildren.

Virginia also cherished life’s simple pleasures—playing cards with friends, enjoying a gin and tonic on the patio alongside her beloved dogs, or reading a good book on the beach. Virginia was an avid traveler who explored Italy, Alaska, and Hawaii and enjoyed 26 winters spent with Fred and dear friends in South Texas and Mexico.

Above all, Virginia’s greatest joy was her family. She is preceded in death by her parents Coyl and Grace Boner, siblings, Juanita Nation (Don), Betty Blackburn (Bob), Van Boner, and David Boner (Sally), son-in-law, Ron LaRoche, and nephew, Danny Nation. She is survived by her children, Jennie LaRoche (the late Ron) and Fred Costa II (Susan); granddaughter, Camille Costa-Kuglin (Bryon); grandson, Fred ‘Tony’ Costa III (Lindsey) and their son, Brylar Metz, great-grandsons Cooper, Cassius, and Cormack Kuglin, special sister-in-law, Terry Boner, many nieces, nephews, and devoted caregivers, Shannon Aballi, Angie Spears, and Aarin Jacobs..

Virginia’s elegance, generosity, and quiet strength will be remembered always by those who knew and loved her.

A visitation will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home, followed by a family tribute from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Terre Haute Humane Society.