Joanne Costello Reich, 84, passed away suddenly on Saturday, Nov. 28, in St. Marys.
Joanne was born on Jan. 19, 1937, in Washington D.C., the daughter of Theresa Carlin Reynolds and Herbert Samuel Reynolds.
When she was 3 years old her father died suddenly, and she and her older sister Patricia were raised by their mother. During some of the tougher times, her mom would send Joanne to ask neighbors to borrow money until payday because she was cute and difficult to say no to. They took in boarders to make ends meet.
Joanne was a naturally social and gregarious child with many friends and interests. She met and fell in love with Patrick Costello, a Georgetown University student, and they married in 1956. They always wanted a large family, and by the time she was 27, they had seven daughters, eventually settling in Laurel, Maryland.
Joanne was an amazing mother, making all of her kids feel loved and protected, managing the ceaseless demands of a nine-person household and making it look easy. Once her daughters were old enough, she started working outside the home. She eventually landed the job that meant so much to her — as an investigator with the county human relations commission, investigating claims of discrimination.
She had a talent for helping people see things more clearly and she valued truth and fairness in her work.
She cared deeply about politics and was politically active in many ways — always with an eye toward making the world a fairer and more just place. She frequently volunteered her daughters to go door-to-door in their Montpelier neighborhood to deliver campaign flyers. She instilled in her children and grandchildren a progressive and inclusive
mentality and view of society.
In her late 40s, with her daughters just reaching adulthood, she lost her husband, Pat, to cancer. It was a devastating loss, but Joanne demonstrated a life-long ability to find a way to look forward even in the darkest times.
She eventually married an old family friend, Ron Reich, and together they built a life filled with love and adventure. They settled in Hilton Head and then St. Marys. They had 19 very happy years together, traveling, sailing and always being there for family and friends. Joanne suffered another very difficult loss when Ron passed away in 2005. Her family was so grateful in 2007 when she met a kind and gentle soul, Don Van Dyke, who became her dear companion for the rest of her life. They shared a fondness for travel, adventure, and most of all — deep family connection.
During her retirement she continued to find ways to help others. She spent many years teaching adults to read. She also volunteered with SCORE, using her human relations experience to help small business owners.
Joanne had a great wanderlust and spent much of her retirement seeing the world. She loved to read, was a bargain hunting fashionista, had a laugh and smile that lit up a room and loved playing cards (especially when she won!). She walked several miles every day up until the week before she passed. Her greatest joy, though, was connecting with her children, grandchildren and dear friends, each of whom felt deeply loved and treasured by her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Patrick William Costello; her husband, Ronald Gary Reich; sister Patricia Reynolds-Warnhoff (Edgar) and stepdaughter Lynn Reich.
She is survived by longtime partner Don Van Dyke; seven daughters, Kathleen Costello, Patricia Givens (George), Margie Quenneville (Jerry), Mary Lavelle (Gary), Maureen Costello, Jean Costello (David Trotto) and Claire Costello-Novy; stepson, Gary Reich (Rob); brother-in-law Andrew Costello, sister-in-law Mary Doody; as well as 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Literacy Center (theliteracycenter.org). A memorial service is being planned for early 2022.
Joanne — You are the sun that created this beautiful family that loves you and cherishes you so much. May your memory be a blessing.
Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.