Mary Ellen (Kalmar) Costanzo

February 9, 2022

Mary Ellen (Kalmar) Costanzo, 89, of Middleton, Wisc., went home to be with her Lord Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, surrounded by her family at Meriter Hospital in Madison, Wisc.

Mary Ellen graduated from Marywood College with a Bachelor of Music degree. She was a retired teacher who taught elementary school in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and in her retirement worked for Lands' End. Mary Ellen was a member of High Point Church and was active in their music program, frequently providing piano accompaniment for many vocalists.

Mary Ellen was united in marriage to her husband, Pasquale (Pat) Costanzo, on June 13, 1959, in Scranton, and resided there until 1978 when they moved to Middleton. She is survived by her son, Paul (Heidi) Costanzo and their children, Vanessa and Michael of Madison; her daughter, Pattilynn (Brad) Barrett and their children, Patrick, Lauryn and Abigail of Waukesha; her sister, Florence Fleth; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Kalmar and Marie Ferris; and several beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death and is now reunited in heaven with Pat and several of her sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Mary Ellen cherished her family and spending time with them was one of her favorite activities. She shared her passion for music with each of her grandchildren and frequently took them to operas, musicals and concerts. Traveling was another passion Mary Ellen and Pat shared. Some of their favorite excursions included trips to Europe, Hawaii and the many miles traveled across the U.S. and Canada (including Alaska) in their RV. She also enjoyed the warm weather and close friends in Lakeland, Fla., during the Wisconsin winters.

A visitation will be held Saturday, Aug. 6, at 9:30 a.m. with a celebration of life at 10 a.m. in Morell-LaBelle Funeral Home, 301 Chestnut St., Dunmore.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the UW Alzheimer's Disease Research Center ( www.adrc.wisc.edu ).