Linda Bloeth Costello

Linda Bloeth Costello, 60

Winter Haven – Linda Bloeth Costello, 60, of Winter Haven died June 29 at Good Shepherd Hospice House after a 10-month battle with cancer.  Born June 7, 1962 in Buffalo, NY, to the late Betty and John M. Bloeth, Mrs. Costello grew up in Winter Haven, having moved to town with her family in 1963.

Attending St. Joseph Catholic School for elementary and middle school, Mrs.Costello was a 1980 Winter Haven High School graduate where she was a Devilette dancer. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Florida Southern College and spent more than 30 years as an elementary school teacher in both Florida and Arizona. Mrs. Costello dedicated her life to helping children realize their potential. Her positive energy and reassuring message that “nothing was impossible if you’re willing to work hard” resonated with her students.

She met Barry Costello on The Tennis Courts at Winter Haven High School when the couple were just teens. They later married at the Purgatory Ski Resort in Purgatory, Colorado, on February 27, 1993. The couple raised two children, April Costello and Brian Costello. The family returned to Winter Haven in 2005 to be closer to family.

Her interests included travel, snow skiing, weekends at the beach and entertaining family and friends.

In addition to her husband and adult children, Mrs. Costello is survived by her siblings Lorraine Valerino (John) of Lakeland, Leanne Green (Bobby) of Auburndale, Michael Bloeth (Laura) of Valrico and Mark Bloeth (Christy Emanski) Woodstock, Ga.; aunt and uncle Maryann and Stephen Rhodes of Somerset, NJ; aunt Grace Bloeth Diglio of Lutz; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be presented to honor Linda Costello, Saturday, July 9 at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church Chapel, 532 Ave. M, NW, Winter Haven. Marion Nelson Funeral Home of Lake Wales is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 450 Arneson Ave., Auburndale, FL 33823.