Obituary of Ernestine Ann Costa

Ernestine Ann Costa, 74, of Hopatcong, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Brooklyn, NY on November 15, 1946 to the late Joseph and Alice (Krapf) Ercole, Ernestine has resided in Hopatcong since 1973. She owned, along with her late husband Richard, Clayground Ceramics in Randolph, NJ. She also worked as an interior decorator prior to earning her bachelors and masters degrees in Special Education. Ernestine worked for 17 years as a Special Education Teacher in both the Mt. Olive and Montville school districts. Above all else, Ernestine was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Ernestine was best known for having an open door so that anyone could come and visit. She often shared a laugh over a warm cup of coffee and gave a gentle hug to comfort the troubled soul. She most enjoyed the beach, painting and spending time with family and friends. Ernestine was predeceased by her husband Richard in 1992, two brothers Louis and Joseph and a sister Carolyn. Survivors include four children Richard Costa (Audrey), Matthew Costa (Tracy), Alice Howell (Pete) and Michael Costa (Shauntele), eight grandchildren Noah Aguirre, Jacob Aguirre, Andrew Costa, Joseph Costa, Peter Howell, Aislinn Howell, Leo Costa and Olivia Costa. Ernestine's Life Celebration will include visiting on Thursday July 29, 2021 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ. A funeral Mass will be offered on Friday July 30 at 11:00 AM at St. Luke Parish, 265 West Mill Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853. All are invited to meet directly at church for Mass. Ernestine will be laid to rest at Stanhope Union Cemetery following Mass. For memorial donations please consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.