Costello, Gwendolyn, "Gwen" 70, died of cancer Thursday, August 7, 2014 leaving behind her beloved husband of 39 years Richard and a dearly loved son Kevin.

She is also survived by her mother Anna Catherine, "Kate" Bean (93), her sister Kathleen, "Cassie" Booth, and her two brothers Tom and Frank Bean.

Gwen was a gifted writer having written and published over fifty Catholic religious education books and audio visual materials for adults, teenagers and children. She was an editor at Twenty Third Publications, in Mystic, CT before being named Publisher in 1999.

More importantly however, it wasn't what she accomplished during her life but who she was. Gwen cared deeply about the poor, the children of Haiti, and the victims of war. She was deeply spiritual and those who knew her recognized immediately the depth of faith that permeated all that she said and did.

She loved films, but especially foreign films, traveling, reading, taking long walks with her beloved dog "Sammy" and sitting quietly with her God. Gwen's passing leaves a profound sense of loss among all those who had the privilege to know and love her. She was like the morning star so strong and bright.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 11:00AM in Holy Face Catholic Church, Great Mills, MD, with Reverend Monsignor Michael Schmied officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Haitian Health Foundation, 100 Sherman Street, Norwich, CT 06360

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD.