Mary Lou Costa

Mary Lou Costa, 89, Cedar Falls (formerly of Hughson & Turlock, California) passed away at Thuesen Cottage on Thursday, February 23, 2023.  She was born December 18, 1933, in Merced, California, daughter of Tony & Mary (Fernandes) Mendonca. After graduating from high school, Mary Lou married Francis Costa on February 8, 1952, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hughson, California. She worked as an office manager for the Hughson, California School District retiring in 2004. Mary Lou and Francis moved to Iowa in 2011 to be closer to their children and their families.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 61 years, Francis; son-in-law, Joseph Alemao; and siblings: Louie (Jody) Mendonca, Barbara (Arlen) Jackson, and Viola "Ode" (Bob) Silva.  She is survived by her daughter, Luann (Gary L. Johnson) Alemao-Johnson of Cedar Falls; son, Bruce (Teresa) Costa of Parkersburg; six grandchildren: Andrew Alemao, Gareth Costa, Benjamin Costa, Garrett Johnson, Zach (Kristin) Johnson and Jessamyn Johnson; three great-grandchildren, Katherine & Rosalie Johnson and Jonas Duffy.

Mary Lou's Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 3:30-5:00 pm on Monday, March 6, 2023, at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Private inurnment will take place at a later date at Fairview Cemetery of Cedar Falls. Memorials may be directed to the Western Home Foundation or Cedar Valley Hospice.  Livestream of her service can be found and condolences left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com .

Mary Lou was definitely a people person who enjoyed community service from PTA president and TOPS president in California to Women's Club and active church member in Cedar Falls.  She and Francis enjoyed traveling across country with their motorhome club, dancing and playing cards with friends and family.  Mary Lou liked to decorate for the holidays and was a good cook but most of all she loved being with her children and grandchildren.