It is with profound sadness that the family of Nancy Winifred Costello announces her passing on November 12, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on April 12, 1942, to Armand Joseph and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Gagner, Nancy came into the world at St. Stephen Hospital in New Brunswick, Canada, across the border from her hometown of Baileyville, Maine. At sixteen, Nancy married her high school sweetheart, John (Jack) Costello, on January 24, 1959. Together, they built a life marked by perseverance, humor, and unwavering devotion. They navigated lean years with grit and grace. While raising three children, Nancy earned her GED and became a Certified Nursing Assistant, working at Calais Regional Hospital in both the general and maternity wings. She especially loved caring for new mothers and babies, an extension of the nurturing spirit that defined her entire life. As the oldest of four, Nancy grew up a natural caretaker – a "mother hen" to her younger brothers and sister. When asked what she wanted most in life, she would simply say, "I've always taken care of children, so I'd love to have a family of my own." And that she did. Her home was full of warmth, creativity, and laughter. Her children were surrounded by love, her kitchen was always open, and her holidays were unforgettable. Becoming a grandmother brought Nancy her greatest joy. To her grandchildren, she was Nanny, the center of every gathering and the creator of countless cherished memories. She turned all occasions into a celebration: Easter egg hunts that stretched across the yard, Christmas trees overflowing with gifts and glittering ornaments, and joyful afternoons sharing her love of drawing and painting, playing cards, and telling stories with her grandchildren. She had a gift for making ordinary days feel magical. Nancy was practical and wise, an expert at stretching a dollar and an avid saver, coin by coin. With patience, resourcefulness, and hard work, she and Jack built her dream – a home on the lake that they would cherish for more than fifty years. It reflected who she was: A safe, soft place to land, the heart of the family where everyone was welcomed with a cup of coffee and a donut, or a home-cooked meal and her signature coconut cake for dessert. There was always room at her table, and the grandchildren (and great-grandchildren) came to know Nanny always had the best treats. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each touched by her strength, wit, and endless capacity to care for others. She taught everyone around her what it meant to give fully, love deeply, and keep family close. Nancy was predeceased by her beloved husband of 67 years, Jack Costello; her parents, Armand and Betty Gagner; and her sister-in-law, Bonnie Gagner. She is survived by her three children: John Joseph Costello III (Thomas Lecakis) of Rockland, Maine; Deborah Costello Feck (Ralph) of Hampstead, North Carolina; and David Armand Costello (Kayla) of Baileyville, Maine. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren: John (Joey) Joseph Costello IV, Aimee Shellhamer (Kenny), Nanci Smith (Brian), Danielle Theberge (Jeff), Kristina Robinson (Josh), Hunter Costello, and Khloe Leighton; and ten great-grandchildren: Michaela Costello, Ella Costello, Violet Shellhamer, Vivian Shellhamer, Maddux Smith, Zoe Smith, Camden Smith, Sawyer Theberge, Hudson Theberge, and Jack Robinson. A celebration of life will be held at Mays Funeral Home in Calais, Maine, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with a private family burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson's research would be deeply appreciated. Nancy spent her life caring for others – family, friends, and anyone who needed a little extra love. She gave more than she was given, met each challenge with quiet grace, and loved her family with her whole heart. To know her was to be cared for, and to be loved by her was to feel safe, seen, and home. Now she rests, surrounded by the same love she gave so freely. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.MaysFuneralHome.com