LINCOLN (SNR) - Mary Kathryn (Henry) Costello died July 5 at her home. She was 79.
For nearly 50 years, Costello wrote the column “Over the Coffee Cup.” It was first published in the Sun Newspaper then the Southern Nebraska Register and the Lincoln Journal Star, and was picked up in newspapers across the country.
In 1973 Costello was a founding member of Lincoln’s first Right to Life group and helped to organize the first Walk for Life.
In 1992, Costello founded Matt Talbot Kitchen with Ruth McKinstry. What started as a few crock pots once a day in the front room of Day Watch became Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, serving hundreds of people twice a day and offering multiple services to the working poor and homeless in the community. Mary was given a Cor Christi Award from Catholic Social Services in 1994 and the Mayor’s Award for her efforts.
In the weeks before her death, hundreds of Register readers responded to a request for cards and letters for Mary. Her daughter Maureen Mattern said they were greatly appreciated and brightened her mother’s final days.
Mary is survived by her husband Don, her children Maureen Mattern, Richard, Daniel, Peter, Thomas, Benjamin and Margaret Andres; 22 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three sisters; cousins, nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass was celebrated July 9 in the Cathedral of the Risen Christ with Father Justin Wylie and Msgr. Liam Barr officiating. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery. Butherus Maser and Love Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
