Lillian Agnes Costello

Lillian Agnes Costello was born on April 1st, 1930 and on September 11, 2026 at the age of 96, she joined her beloved husband in heaven. It was a beautiful life.

Lillian was born in Chicago, Illinois to Mike and Heti (Peper) Riseff. She was their only child, however, she had two older half siblings, Alfred Reseff and Josephine Skvarla, whom she adored and whose children she maintained close contact with throughout the years..

Lillian lost her father at the young age of eight. She often expressed her gratitude for her loving step-father, Frank. Lillian spoke of wanting to be a nun as a young girl, but life took her in a different direction. Her energy and vitality perfectly fit her tenure as a high school cheerleader. Her enthusiasm for life included the love of dancing which led her to meet a handsome young Italian man, by the name of Bob. He was her Prince Charming. While serving in the army, he wrote her a letter with a post script saying, “ When I get home we’ll get married.” On April 11th, 1953 they did just that.

In July of 1954, they welcomed their first child, their precious daughter, Linda Ann. Their first son, Robert Michael soon followed in 1957. In !961, they made the decision to follow Bob’s relatives for opportunities in California. They settled in Reseda, in the San Fernando Valley where Lil learned the drapery making business. She ran her own custom drapery business for the next 25 years.. In 1962, James Martin, their youngest child was born and they settled into suburban family life. Bob and Lil’s home was always full of good food, laughter and music. Lillian loved her polkas and every possible Italian crooner could be heard booming through their home. Love, laughter and friends were abundant as was pizza and pasta. Lil mastered Italian cooking despite being Lithuanian.

Lil loved sports activity and especially loved taking her family waterskiing in their motorhome. A cabin in Big Bear allowed the family to enjoy snow skiing in the Southern California mountains. Lil enjoyed both tremendously though water skiing was arguably her favorite. Everyone was always welcome and there was never a shortage of food.

WIth their children grown and married, Lil and Bob followed their daughter to Moopark, California where they purchased a larger home for the growing family. Twelve grandchildren frequently filled the house. The living room was often used as a dance hall by all. A player piano, bought second hand, entertained for hours on end. Neighbors, especially dear Sandy, became family and Christmas Eve was always epic. Once again, laughter reigned.

In 2012, Lillian’s beloved Bob sadly passed on. Her still growing family was her solace during this difficult time. She remained active with golfing and her dear Willow Forest friends. She continued to be the life of the party as always. In the last two years of her life she was so grateful for the amazing care she received from her dear caregivers.

Lillian is survived by her daughter Linda Morris and her husband Mark, her son Robert Costello, and his wife Kathy, and her son James Costello, and his wife Coreen. Grandchildren, Courtney Gero (Eric), Travis Morris (Jaclyn), Robert Costello (Mariana), Kaitlyn Fain (Chris), Trevor Morris (Lennea), Chad Costello (Louisa), Nicholas Costello (Amy), Carlyn Gresham (Eric), Joshua Costello (Shianne), Tucker Costello, Shayne Costello and Tatum Costello. Great Grandchildren, Lucas, Lily, Carter, Oliver, Michaela, Nico, Aria, Ethan, Cooper, Lou, Brody, Cecilia and Finn

Lillian is dearly missed. She will be laid to rest with her dear Bob at Assumption Cemetery in Simi Valley.