Theresia Anna Costello

Born in 1938 in Czechoslovakia, Theresia's early years were shaped by the mayhem of World War II. Her family fled to Germany, where she grew up on a small farm along the banks of the Rhine River. As a young adult, she moved to Frankfurt in search of work, where she met her future husband, James Costello, with whom she would share nearly 60 years of marriage.

Theresia embarked on a new chapter of her life when she emigrated to the United States aboard the SS United States. She became a U.S. citizen and married James in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1965. Together, they traveled across the U.S. and around the world as a military family, living in locations such as Spain, Belgium, New Jersey, New Mexico, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, California, and Tennessee.

They enjoyed countless adventures, including cruises through the Panama Canal, Norway, and Alaska, as well as guided tours of China and Russia.

At home, Theresia found joy in simple pleasures, like drinking coffee and spending time on her back deck feeding the birds, raccoons, and squirrels. She was an avid reader and loved solving puzzles.

In her final year, Theresia resided at Martin Boyd Christian Home, where she received exceptional care from the nurses and staff who are truly angels among us. The family is deeply grateful for their kindness, compassion, and unwavering love and support. They also wish to extend heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at Memorial Hospital in Hixson, who made her final 24 hours comfortable and peaceful.

Theresia was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, and her husband, James.

She is survived by her daughter, Laura (Costello) Mildenberger and her husband Juergen, as well as her cherished granddaughters, Allyson and Olivia Mildenberger, of Hixson.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday July 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Father A.J. Houston officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Chattanooga.

visit www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com to share words of comfort.

Arrangements entrusted to Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel.