Pray, work, love: Mary’s ingredients to life
IT WAS a rare and special occasion. Caring and holy woman Mary Costello was surrounded by all six of her children and most of her 19 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren as they came together to celebrate her 100th birthday.
Mary Costello was born on May 11, 1916, in Toowoomba. She was one of six children and lived on a farm at Postmans Ridge.
“I have fond memories, I liked the horses and cows,” she said.
When Ms Costello finished school she helped out on the farm, worked in a post office and several other shops and then worked in hotels with her uncle.
She married John Costello on April 9, 1942. The two met and got to know each other at dances and when playing tennis.
They married at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Ms Costello’s brother-in-law was a priest and married them.
Together they had six children: Moya, James, Margaret, Brian, Annette and Kevin.
The family lived on a farm at Murphy’s Creek where Ms Costello said her children had a “happy childhood”.
Daughter Margaret Betros described her mother as an “old-fashioned home-maker”.
“She just loves the races and her sons in the family are quite involved with training and owning race horses so she is an ardent fan,” she said.
“Also I think her key to longevity would have to be her moderate lifestyle.”
Over the 100 years, Ms Costello lived her life with modest and grace. She still does every single day.
“I always like to pray, work hard and love dearly,” she said.
I always like to pray, work hard and love dearly. — Centenarian Mary Costello