Greta Ito Costanzo passed away at the age of 88 on July 30, 2018 in El Paso, Texas.
She was born on January 28, 1930, to Tome Negishi and William D. Hickey in Yokohama, Japan. On February 9,1951, she married Anthony John Costanzo. Greta then became a naturalized citizen of the United States on August 5, 1954. While raising her family, she earned her GED, and attended English and history classes at the University of Texas at El Paso. She offered her language skills as a Japanese translator for a military dependent ESL student.
Greta was a beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother with many talents. She excelled as a homemaker in cooking, sewing, and gardening. We are forever grateful for her many delicious recipes that will be passed on from generation to generation. Along with her giddy sense of humor, she loved to dance and sing. She was an active member of the Japanese Women' Club in El Paso, and performed with the Dancin' Bears for senior citizens.
Greta is survived by eight children: Josephine Parris, Antoinette O'Leary (Joe), Teresa McAlister, Christina McDaniel (Arthur), Ralph Costanzo (Gayle), Mary Ann Thompson (Patrick), Angelina Nobles (Michael), and Nicholas Costanzo (Martha). She was also blessed with 28 grandchildren: Angelina, Kenneth Caroline, John, Bruce, Irene, Joseph, Timothy, Christopher, Celina, Anthony, Robert, Cory, Adria, Tiana, Chiara, Kimberly, Patrick, Jennifer, Margaret, Anthony, James, Catherine, David, Mark, Sam, Amanda, and Danielle; and 42 great-grandchildren.
Mommy, you have given so much and asked for so little in return. Thank you for always being there -- supporting, listening, advising, forgiving, and caring for us. Thank you for always giving us and Daddy your unconditional love.
Funeral Mass will be at 12:00 PM on Friday, August 03, 2018 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 10000 Pheasant Road. Interment at Fort Bliss National Cemetery will be a private family ceremony. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home, Northeast EI Paso. Please visit our online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.
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