Paula T. Nagowski Costello

Educator and literacy champion Paula Theresa Costello, known for her unwavering commitment to her community and her unconditional love for family, died while resting comfortably in her sister’s home on May 15, 2022. She was 75 years old and had lived with Alzheimer’s disease for several years.

Paula was born April 15, 1947 to John and Rita Nagowski in Buffalo, NY. The city and its surrounding suburbs of Cheektowaga, Amherst, North Tonawanda, and Williamsville were where she grew up and raised her own family; her former husband and their two sons, Sean and Michael. Since the early 2000s Paula also continually provided room and board to other family members and friends.

After graduating from Villa Maria High School Paula joined the Sisters of St. Francis at the St. Mary of the Angels Convent, now a part of Amherst State Park. As a novitiate of the order, she studied theology and attended Buffalo State College where she received a BA in Education. Soon after, Paula began her teaching career at Saints Peter & Paul School on Main St. in Williamsville.

Knowing that she wanted to have a family of her own as well as pursue her educational calling, Paula left the convent, though she remained lifelong friends with other novitiates and nuns of her order.

By the early 70s, Paula was working for the Williamsville School District. She met her former husband, Dan, at Mill Middle where they both taught. While starting a family and working, Paula earned a Master’s degree in childhood literacy from the University at Buffalo.

Paula then became a teacher at Heim Elementary School before becoming a reading specialist at Heim Middle School and then literacy teacher-coach for the district. In the late 80s Paula became involved with the New York State Reading Association (NYSRA), a statewide not-for-profit organization whose mission is to share and support efforts to improve literacy education for people of all ages on local, state and global levels. In 1994, Paula became their President. During that same time, Paula accepted a new administrative position as the District Coordinator for English and Reading where she fought for and implemented curriculum changes that have bettered the lives for more than a generation of Williamsville students.

At 50, after chairing and coordinating her second NYSRA Conference, Paula took a sabbatical to study Literacy Research at SUNY Albany with Peter Johnston. In the decade that followed, she earned a second Master’s degree and went on to teach at East Carolina University for several years. Following that, she retired in Williamsville so she could spend time with her young grandkids, Lukas, Jack, and Liam.

Paula was a world-traveler throughout her life, exploring her home country, and traveling extensively in Europe, New Zealand, South Korea, and China. Camping and travel were two of Paula’s favorite ways to recharge– along with family and education, these were her lifelong loves.

Paula will be remembered for her big-heartedness, her intensity and stubbornness, her acts of service, and her commitment to social justice.

Paula is survived by her two sons, Sean and Michael, and their families including two daughters-in-law, WooJung and Marissa, three grandkids, Lukas, Jack, and Liam; two sisters, Alexandra and Marie; three brothers, Norb, Chris, and Mark; numerous nieces and nephews, and her lifelong friends.

The family will be present to receive friends Tuesday, July 12th from 1-4 PM at BEACH-TUYN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 5541 Main Street (at Cayuga Rd) Williamsville. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday morning, July 13th at 10 o'clock in St. Joseph University Parish, 3269 Main St, Buffalo, 14214 followed by a private burial. Please assemble at church.