In Memory of Karen L. Costello

Obituary

Karen L. Costello, 79, of Rome, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Rome Health after a sudden illness.

Born on December 9, 1946, in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Gina (Hope) Williams. Karen graduated from Clinton High School and Mohawk Valley Community College and became a registered nurse. On November 11, 1967, she married Victor Costello, who passed away on August 20, 2017.

Karen dedicated her career to helping others by working as a surgical nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital, a vocation she loved with a fierce passion. After a tragic accident on the job left her physically unable to continue in her chosen profession, she found new ways to serve others. She worked as a literacy volunteer, donated blood on a regular basis, and volunteered for many years at the Mid-New York AIDS Coalition, where she advocated for people with HIV/AIDS during the height of the AIDS epidemic. She was a life-long learner; enjoyed music, reading, and spending time with her friends; and had a special affinity for animals, especially her beloved dog, Jules, who predeceased her.

She is survived by her son, Robert Costello, and his husband, Dr. Werner Sun of Ithaca, NY; her sisters-in-law, Judy Brockway and Lucille Costello of Clinton; her special nephew, Robert Brockway of Clinton; her close friend, Rosie Furmanski of Rome; and many other dear friends.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday July 22 at 10:00 am at the Church of the Annunciation, Clark Mills. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Road, New Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Anita Stevens Swan Humane Society in Karen’s memory.

Online expressions of sympathy may be left at fwefh.com.