×

Odette L. Costa

In this moment of profound loss, let us not forget all that remains, all that she gave us: humor, first and foremost. Language, music, food, literature, gardening, history, a vital need for beauty, a lively curiosity about the world around us and how things work, and above all, each other.

Odette L. Costa, nee Treich, 24 March 1935 — June 22, 2019.

Daughter of Andre and Carmel. Sister of Andre, Henri, Henriette, Michelle and Louise. Mother of Gina, Daniela, Jacqueline, Lisa, Marta and Nathalie. Grandmother of Bertrand, John Alex, Alix, Madelyn, Emma, Sophie, Giulia, James, Simon and Lucy. Mother-in-law of Arnaud, Greg and Joe. Friend to many, teacher to generations of language students; to some, even a mentor. Hers was a rich life of important, meaningful relationships, which she nurtured just as she did every one of her beloved plants.

Mom, your immense creative force, your strength, your independent spirit and your humor and sparkle have influenced us all and have made us our best selves. You raised the bar and kept it high. You inspire every meal we cook, your love is in every plant we care for, your aesthetic is in every home we live in, your laughter is in every burst of our delighted laughter, your standards are in every task we set ourselves to, your thoughtfulness is in every relationship we have. We thank you for all this and for so much else besides.

We invite friends to join us in a toast to her life and legacy Sunday, July 28, 3 to 4 p.m. at her house. Come share stories and memories, or just come to be together.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Lake Placid Public Library, 2471 Main St. Lake Placid, NY 12946, for the Odette Costa Memorial Garden Fund.

Tantus amor florum.

[So deep is their love of flowers]

— Virgil, The Georgics, Book IV, Line 205 (tr. Fairclough)

Let the beauty we love be what we do.

There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.

— Rumi, “Spring Giddiness”