Irene L. Costanzo, 88, of Grand Island, NY, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the beloved daughter of the late Anthony and Emma (Calvano) Loria; and the beloved wife of the late John ‘Jack’ F. Costanzo, who she married on January 4, 1958 at the former Our Lady of the Rosary Church
Irene graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1954. She pursued a career in nursing, earning her Bachelor’s degree in 1958, and later obtained her Master’s degree in Women’s Health from the University at Buffalo at the age of 50. She dedicated her career to serving others, working in pediatrics at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital and in the Children’s Intensive Care Unit at Buffalo Children’s Hospital. For over 30 years, she shared her knowledge with future generations of nurses, teaching at Niagara County Community College until her retirement in 1999.
A devout Catholic, Irene was a faithful member of St. Stephen’s Church, where she taught CCD, RCIA and served on the bereavement committee. She was also an avid knitter and excellent cook, as experienced by the 100’s she served over the years. She also enjoyed playing cards, going to the casino and traveling. Above all, she cherished the time spent with her family. Irene will be deeply remembered for her kindness, unwavering faith, sense of humor, quick wit, and the strangers who quickly became part of the family, as to Irene her love of others drew people to her.
Irene is survived by three children, Mark (Melissa) Costanzo, Christopher (Siobhan) Costanzo and Theresè (Timothy) Pangborn, and was sadly predeceased by her son, John (Suzann) Costanzo. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; her sister Patricia (Edward) Loria-Granados, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 23 from 3 – 8 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services will begin Saturday at 9:00 AM, followed by Irene’s Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Stephen’s Church, 2100 Baseline Road, Grand Island, NY 14072. Interment in St. Stephen’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, stlukesmissionofmercy.org or St. Stephen’s Church, ststephenswny.com.
Visitation
Friday, May 23, 2025
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY
Get Directions on Google Maps
Funeral Service
Saturday, May 24, 2025
9:00 AM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY
Get Directions on Google Maps
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, May 24, 2025
10:00 AM
St. Stephen’s Church
2100 Baseline Road
Grand Island, NY 14072
Get Directions on Google Maps
