Obituary of Melissa Christie Costigan
Melissa Christie Costigan (Nee Holland)
August 2, 1951 – December 16, 2017
Melissa passed away in peace at St. Joseph’s Hospice in London, Ontario on December 16, 2017 following a courageous battle with cancer. Beloved wife and best friend of Jim Costigan, loving and devoted mom of Greg (Carol Tang) and Jennifer (Jake Hansen) and grandma of Adelynn (Greg and Carol). Daughter of the late John and Mimi Holland, sister of Nan Polleys (Rob), the late John Holland (Marilyn), Mary Agnes Holland and Dan Holland (Lisa). Daughter in law of the late Charles and Gertrude Costigan, sister in law of Tim Costigan (Carol), Dan Costigan(Gloria), Cathy Macdonald (Frank), Peg Eizinas (Al) and Gerry Costigan (Charlene). Beloved Aunt of many nieces and nephews, spouses and their children.
Melissa attended the University of Windsor and graduated from the University of Western Ontario (B.A., 1973). She obtained her Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto in 1976. She taught English, Special Education and Guidance for over 30 years.
Melissa will be remembered for her outgoing, adventurous and spontaneous spirit. She was the family travel agent, always planning the next trip to ensure that family and friends would be together soon. She was a thoughtful and caring person, always going to extravagant lengths to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of others, and to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She had a gift for friendship, building life- long relationships wherever she went or lived including Windsor, Brampton, London, Lahr, Germany and Ankara, Turkey (where she and Jim spent 5 wonderful years). Her leisure time was spent in front of the family fireplace, glass of white wine in hand, and only watching shows and movies that would end on a happy note.
The family thanks all of the supportive, tireless and compassionate care providers of St. Joseph’s Hospice, the London Regional Cancer Program and the University Health Network – Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in Toronto. Together, with her family, she fought a valiant fight. Melissa was a “tough cookie” and her feistiness saw her through three Clinical Trials and gave us all extended hope. In particular, they would like to thank Dr. Lilian Siu of PMH for the care and attention that she and her team showed to Melissa. The family is also thankful for the kindness and support of extended family, friends and neighbours.
Visitation & Funeral will be held at St. George Parish, 1164 Commissioners Road West, London, Ontario with Visitation on December 21, 2017 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm and 10:00am to 11:00am on December 22, 2017 followed by the Funeral Mass on December 22, 2017 at 11:00am. A private burial will be held at a later date.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Melissa’s memory to London Regional Cancer Program: http://www.lhsc.on.ca/Ways_to_Give/LRCP/ or Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation: http://www.thepmcf.ca/Ways-to-Give/Donate-Now
