Florence Katherine Costa, age 89, beloved wife of J. Vincent Costa, passed away on August 7, 2024 after a brief illness.   She was born in Bridgeport on August 1, 1935, daughter of the late Arthur and Florence Dial, and was predeceased by her infant sister Gloria.

Flo was a lifelong Stratford resident and graduated from Stratford High School in 1953.  After graduation she worked at various jobs, including Leventhal Furniture, Wright Power Saw, where she met the love of her life Vinny, and Sikorsky Aircraft where she worked as a stenographer until she got married in October 1956.  As a young mom, Flo worked for the Stratford News writing feature articles, engagement and bridal notices, and her very own weekly column called "The Armed Forces".   Being a mother of 3 boys led her to becoming very active in Scouting, first as a den mother, then a den leader coach, helping to write the manual for scout leaders, starting a new cub pack, and chairing various events and district committees.  She received the District Award of Merit for her service in Cub Scouts, the highest honor given to scouting volunteers.  In the late 70's Flo was invited to a Tupperware party by a friend which ultimately led her to a 25-year career as a very successful Tupperware sales manager.

Flo's favorite pastimes included bowling, playing cards, doing puzzles, reading and most of all traveling.  She was an excellent baker and she delighted family and friends with her traditional favorites, including dozens of varieties of Christmas cookies, Easter bread, and her delicious pumpkin bread which she was proud to sell for many years as part of an annual fundraiser for her church.

Flo's memory will be cherished by her beloved husband, Vinny, to whom she was married for nearly 68 years, three sons, Gary Costa and his fiancée Beth (Tammy) Hotchkiss, Douglas Costa and his wife Carole, and Glenn Costa and his wife Miriam; seven grandchildren, Christopher Costa, David Costa and his wife Melanie, Michelle Sharnick and her husband Matthew, Danielle Costa, Michelle Triano and her husband Jim, Michael Allen and his fiancée Mindy Martz, Elizabeth DeLauri and her husband Jay; eight great grandchildren Dylan, Ella and Sophia Costa, Max and Devin Triano, and Isabella, Olivia & Sophia DeLauri; and brother-in-law Anthony Costa and his wife Mickey, and various nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank the staff at Bridgeport Hospital and Gaylord Hospital for their compassionate care, as well as a heartfelt thank you to Rev. Suhee Kim of Stratford United Methodist Church for her kindness and support during Flo's illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 11:00am at Stratford United Methodist Church.  Relatives and friends may greet the family on Monday, August 12, 2024, from 5 to 7 pm at Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home, 2611 Main Street, Stratford.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Flo's memory may be made to the Stratford United Methodist Church.