Obituary of Lourdes Maria Costa

Lourdes Maria Costa, 70, a long-time resident of New Jersey who most recently resided in Toms River, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026. Born on April 13, 1956, in Vale de Ílhavo, Portugal, Lourdes was the beloved daughter of Albano and Madalena Graça. When she was in the fifth grade, she immigrated with her family to the United States. She attended Wilson Elementary School and later graduated from East Side High School in Newark, New Jersey. Lourdes began her professional life working as a bookkeeper, but her innate kindness and desire to help others eventually led her to a different path. She earned her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate at Jackson Vocational and proudly spent the majority of her career as a CNA, dedicating her life to caring for those in need and finding a second family among her co-workers. Above all else, Lourdes was deeply passionate about her family and friends. She was a devoted wife and daughter, mother, and grandmother who loved nothing more than being surrounded by the people she cherished. She often expressed her love through her exceptional cooking and baking, creating warm memories and filling her home with joy. She leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Abilio Costa; her two loving daughters, Carla Sicoli and her husband Frank, and Liliana Costa and her partner Paul; her cherished grandson, Devin Sicoli; her best friend and sister-in-law Orlanda Rocha; her niece and nephew Jane and Mark Rocha; along with countless surrogate sisters and daughters from work; and a loveable grand-pup, Toby. Honoring Lourdes’ final wishes, she will be cremated, and her remains will rest at home with her family. A mass will be held in her honor on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 9am at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Toms River. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.