Madeline Costanza

Madeline Costanza, of Chesilhurst, NJ, an extraordinary woman who embraced life with boundless enthusiasm, passed away unexpectedly on July 28th, 2024, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and culinary brilliance. Affectionately known as “Grandma Meatballs” and “Grandma Las Vegas,” and on those occasionally spicy days as “Naughty Nonna,” Madeline left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone she touched. Her boundless love, passion, and generosity inspired countless memories that will be cherished forever.

Madeline’s superpower was cooking, and she generously shared her delicious creations with everyone she met. Each dish she prepared was infused with her special ingredient: LOVE. “If you don’t cook with love, it will taste terrible,” she often said, a motto she lived by in every meal she made. And, fortunately for those around her, she generously shared this gift and her love, providing meals, support, and conversation without hesitation or regard for her own needs. Her legendary and bountiful meals knew no limits and were also distributed by mail and hand-delivery to her many grandchildren, family, and friends, a constant expression of her love and caring. She regularly extended that love by providing home-cooked meals to those at Veterans Haven, her neighbors, and anyone in need. It was not uncommon to find a stranger, who had nowhere to go, at the table at a family holiday dinner. That is who she was; that is how she lived.

Madeline’s joyful approach to life was apparent, and coupled with her sharp wit and feisty spirit, her presence at any occasion was undeniable. She made friends, and relationships, quickly and everywhere she went—whether in the stands at a grandchild’s sporting event, in line at the grocery store, at church, or in her community center. Her warm, caring, and inviting nature drew people to her, and she cultivated meaningful relationships effortlessly. She believed in the joy of living and frequently reminded everyone that while we may have to get older, we don’t have to grow up. Her positive and joyful energy lit up every family gathering, making her the life of the party. Show her a new dance move or offer her a delicious drink, and Madeline was always game. She was also known to be a finalist in vigorous family pong tournaments and take on challengers in corn hole. She embraced every opportunity to live life fully with a resounding “yes.”

Madeline’s spirituality and faith were central to her life. She had a deep devotion to Padre Pio, her favorite saint, and she ensured that everyone understood his importance through countless emails and conversations. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, and she shared it with those around her. She would often remind you to “Pray like you mean it!”

Madeline’s presence was great. She will be sorely missed, but the memory of her unending spirit of generosity, love, and joy will be forever cherished by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Madeline was pre-deceased by her beloved son, Anthony, her mother, Theresa, and her father, Anthony. She is survived by her cherished children, Frank (Barbara), Theresa, Madeline, and Derrick (Andrea), her beloved grandchildren, Frankie (Mekayla), Nicholas (Kerri), Morgan, Emily, Antonio, Jessica, Marlena (Nico), Erica, Luke, Vincent, and Zeke, as well as her great-grandchildren, Aria, and Elias.

Family and friends are invited to attend her visitation on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 from 11:00 am to 11:45 am at St. Simon Stock Parish/Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 178 W. White Horse Pike, Berlin, NJ, 08009. Mass of a Christian burial will follow at 12:00 pm. Interment will take place at New St. Mary Cemetery in Bellmawr, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to St. Simon Stock Parish/Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at the address above or to Veterans Haven, PO Box 80, 301 Spring Garden Road, Winslow, NJ 08095-0080.

PLEASE DONATE TO ST. SIMON STOCK OR TO VETERANS HAVEN AND NOT A MEMORIAL TREE.