Joan L. Costabile

Visitation for Joan Lee Costabile, 77, of Long Grove, formerly of Palatine, for will be from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, with a brief service at 3:30pm, on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Hwy., Palatine. The interment will be held privately.

Joan passed away peacefully on September 21, 2023, surrounded by family. Born in Chicago in 1945, Joan was the daughter of Joseph and Rose Cargola.

Joan married Frank R. Costabile in 1969 and together they raised 4 children. Once her children started school, Joan began working at Palatine High School and eventually became the principal’s secretary, a stark departure from her first career as a hair stylist. She thrived in this position, and shortly before her retirement, Joan was honored with the “Those Who Excel Award” from the Illinois Board of Education for her enormous contributions to the District 211 community.

Joan was married to Frank for over 50 years until his death in 2019, and their marriage was grounded in love, respect, and warm humor. Joan is survived by her children: Frank J. Costabile and his wife, Stacey, Joe Costabile and his wife, Christine, Carrie Laurence and her husband, Dan, and Kristi Costabile Kelly and her husband, Jon; 14 grandchildren: Kyra, Frank, Karissa, Michael, Christopher, Isabella, Emilia, Alena, Cecelia, Kailee, Kyle, Joey, Jake, Benjamin, and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Despite the considerable length of this list, please note that it is incomplete because it does not include the countless individuals whom Joan and Frank welcomed into their lives and considered family.

Joan was the person to sit next to at any gathering. She was fiery, quick-witted, and had a sharp, colorful sense of humor. You’d laugh until your sides hurt. Joan was the ultimate troublemaker, and she’d cajole you to join her mild mischief. She was also warm-hearted and endlessly generous. She had a particular soft spot for those who were overlooked or cast out by others, providing comfort to anyone in need.

She excelled at spoiling her grandchildren, home remodeling, planning elaborate events, and cooking without recipes. She loved a boisterous household, beachside vacations, and all animals, especially fluffy white dogs. Joan was simply beautiful, inside and out. We treasure every minute we spent with her and are grateful for the generous love she shared with us all.