Karen Joyce Costello

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Karen Joyce Costello, age 62. She passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025. She was born on March 30, 1962, and grew up in Illinois and New Jersey. She was a devoted mother and grandmother.

After earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, she moved to Alpharetta, Georgia, to start her family. She found her calling in working with children, proudly dedicating her career to early childhood education as a daycare teacher and later as a nanny.

Mom had a passion for gardening and cooking and loved her golden retrievers. Deeply patriotic, she was a strong supporter of the military and veterans, values that guided her actions throughout her life. During her 5-year cancer journey, she faced every challenge with incredible resilience, inspiring everyone around her.

Her kindness and gratitude towards those who cared for her during her journey have left a lasting impact on the community.

Mom is survived by her daughters, Megan Poelking (Matt) and Erin Costello; her grandchildren, Ryan and Ashton Poelking; her parents, Rita and Wally Brandt; and her brothers, Phil, Jim, and John Brandt.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 2:00pm at The Cross of Life Lutheran Church, 1000 Hembree Rd, Roswell, GA 30076. Following the service, Mom will be laid to rest at Green Lawn Cemetery, 950 Mansell Rd, Roswell, GA 30076. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in mom’s memory to Tunnels to Towers, https://t2t.org/, a cause close to her heart.