Marie Fernanda Costeira, of Auburn, passed away quietly on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, just three days before her 88th birthday, after battling pancreatic cancer. Marie was born on June 23, 1935, in Ílhavo, Portugal. She immigrated to the United States at the age of two, along with her mother, Adeline Airosa Grilo, to join her father, Fernando Francisco Grilo, in New York City. Marie’s beloved younger sister, Adeline (Lina) Reverendo, was born three years later.
As a teenager, Marie excelled in school and enjoyed time with friends and family, visiting the shore and going to dances at Portuguese clubs. Especially industrious, organized and attentive, Marie was gifted her first typewriter while she was still in highschool, and her first job was as a secretary and stenographer for Western Electric.
On June 4, 1955, Marie and John Costeira celebrated the sacrament of Holy Matrimony in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Both Marie and John became United States citizens in 1956, but always embraced and celebrated their Portuguese heritage. Together, John and Marie raised two beloved children, their late son, Airforce Capt. David Costeira and their daughter, Diane Costeira Savrda. Marie was a devoted and loving mother, and tirelessly supported her children in all of their endeavors.
After living and working in New Jersey for several decades, Marie and John retired and moved to Alabama to live closer to their daughter Diane, son-in-law Charles (Chuck) Savrda, and their four granddaughters Amanda Marie Savrda, CeeCee Savrda Cunningham, Allison Savrda Marshall and Cassandra Savrda Hughes.
Marie spent her final days in the prayerful and attentive care of her family. Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her son, David; her husband, John; and her sister, Lina. Marie is survived by her daughter Diane and son-in-law Chuck; her granddaughters and sons-in-law, Amanda Savrda and Daniel Schnittka, CeeCee and Chad Michael Cunningham, Allison and Michael Marshall, and Cassie and Tonie Hughes; her nieces and nephews; and her six great-grandchildren.
Marie’s family most fondly remembers her independent, persistent and spirited nature, generosity of time and treasure and penchant for honoring her heritage, especially in the most delicious Portuguese meals that always brought her family together.
