Beverley H. (Stevens) Costa

NEW BERN, NC    BEVERLEY H. COSTA, 77 of Fairfield Harbour, died on January 23, 2016 at Carolina East Medical Center.  She was preceded in death by her parents Douglas & Helen Stevens of Invercargill, New Zealand and seven year old son Scott N. Costa.   She is survived by husband Robert N. Costa and sons Steven, Lumberton NC; Craig, Livingston, Scotland; Christopher, Virginia Beach, VA.  Also, four grand- children:  Jennifer, Danielle, Drexel and Weslynn Costa.

Beverley was born in Kurow, New Zealand in 1938. Many of her early years found her living and working with her parents on a 63,000 acre sheep ranch and riding her favorite horse, Silver King, to a one room school house for years.  Later, in high school, she showed an aptitude as a track athlete..  Eventually she caught the attention of certain people who felt she could possibly compete on an Olympic level.  Unfortunately, a debilitating respiratory condition ended her Olympic aspirations.
 
Bev then turned her attention to becoming a nurse and worked at Templeton Hospital in Christchurch until she met and married Robert, an American Sailor assigned to Operation Deep Freeze Antarctica. This union, of almost 54 years ended with her recent death.  Bev’s early years found her moving to various naval bases and to eventually assisting her husband in his academic career in Pittsburgh, Johnstown and Richmond; while at the same time being a mother to her four sons.  As her children matured, she began working in the retirement and brokerage industries.  She also served as President of Rotary Grill  Manufacturing for 18 years, a company that Bev and Robert started while living in Richmond, VA.  
 
In 2002 they retired to NC.  She found Fairfield Harbour offered her a chance to become involved in such activities as the Garden Club, Yacht Club, CERT, Swim Aerobics, New Bern Women’s Club, Down East Dulcimers and served as an Officer of DAV Chapter 40 Auxiliary.   Bev also devoted much time, year round, as a team member of Relay For Life.  For about the last eight years she had served as Team Leader.  Along with her dedicated team members, they were able to raise sizeable donations in support of cancer research.  In recent months her health required several extended hospitalizations.  As usual, for her, she didn’t complain.  As she used to say when things were going bad:  “She’ll be right in a fort-night mate.”  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to RELAY FOR LIFE.
 
 Viewing will be available at Cotton Funeral Home 2201 Neuse Blvd. New Bern, NC on Tuesday January 26 between 2-4 pm.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
 Services will take place in Windber, PA, beginning with a viewing on Friday evening January 29 between 6-8 pm. At the Meek & Dalla Valle 1312 Graham Ave, Windber, PA. 
 
Interment services will begin on Saturday January 30 with a mass at St Anthony Church at 10:30 am.  Fr. Rod Soha, TOR, pastor. Interment at the church cemetery will follow after the mass.   Following the interment, friends and family are invited for lunch at the church.
 

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