Joan M. Costello

Joan Marie Costello (née Mary Margaret Gunning, raised as Joan M. Lucas), 87, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on June 10, 2026. A proud graduate of Notre Dame Academy, Roxbury, and Simmons College, Boston, Joan lived in Duxbury for 48 years, where she raised her family and worked in many roles, such as the Avon Lady, bank teller, Plimoth Plantation retail sales, and archivist intern at the JFK Presidential Library and Museum. She reveled in being OFD (Originally from Dorchester) and relied on the fortitude and resilience that this New England upbringing gave her throughout her life.

Joan had a smile that lit up her entire face and any conversation she took part in. Her infectious laugh was instantly recognizable. She could read music, and her beautiful singing voice was both a joy to hear and an incredible asset to any choral group lucky enough to have her. Joan loved to people-watch, was an avid reader, and loved picking out wallpaper to decorate her home. A former plein air painter and art enthusiast, she collected angels and Santas of all kinds and cherished time spent with her Keeshond dogs, her parakeets, and finches. She was a sharp dresser known for her smart and sassy wit and the loyalty and love she shared with her friends. She met her partner for life, Paul Costello, one day on Malibu Beach in Dorchester, and spent the next 72 years together (67 of them married) navigating through thick and thin. Family, above all else, held a special place in her heart.

Joan is survived by her husband, Paul F. Costello, and three of her four children: Timothy P. Costello and his wife Kathleen of Marshfield; Christine L. Costello and her husband Timothy Sirois of Ipswich; Brian F. Costello and his wife Karen of Agawam. She also leaves her son-in-law, Lewis Chubb of Plymouth; her grandchildren, Brian Lee Costello and his fiancée Reanna Phillips, Jacqueline and her husband, Tee Roderique, Brennan Quackenbush, Nevan Costello, and Madigan Chubb; and great-grandchildren, Lennox and Clementine. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Marybeth M. Chubb of Plymouth, and her sister, Suzanne Riva of Groveland.

A memorial service will take place at St. John’s the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 410 Washington Street, Duxbury, MA, on July 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be private. Donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the Paul F. Costello Scholarship at the Boston Latin School or to the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Wingate Assisted Living in Kingston, Norwell Visiting Nurses Association, Home Care Hands at Quail Run Estates in Agawam, and Beacon Hospice for their compassionate care and kindness during Joan's final years. For access to the online guestbook, please visit the Shepherd Funeral Home website at www.shepherdfuneralhome.com.