Dorothy Marie Costa, lovingly known to everyone as “Toots,” passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, at the age of 95, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in Verdon, NE, to Clyde and Vivian Burns on July 23, 1930, Dorothy was the oldest of eleven children. She moved to California in the early 1950s, where she married Walter Costa Sr. and built a life centered around family, and lifelong friendships. She made California her home, where she and her husband raised their family and created countless memories together. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, never met a stranger for long, and formed friendships that lasted decades. Her home was a place where family gathered, stories were shared, and everyone knew they belonged.
She experienced life’s greatest joys and its deepest sorrows with remarkable strength. She outlived many of the people she loved, including friends, siblings, and even her beloved son. Through every season of life, she carried herself with quiet resilience, grace, and unwavering faith. Toots was the heart of her family. She found joy in simple moments, sharing meals, laughing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, celebrating holidays, and simply being together.
Her warm smile, and loving nature left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. In her final years, she was surrounded by extraordinary love and care. Those years became an unexpected gift, allowing her family to spend precious time with her, hear her stories and make new memories. It was time that not every family receives, and it will forever be treasured.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Vivian Burns; her beloved husband, Walter Costa Sr.; her son, Walter Costa Jr.; her brothers, Richard Burns, Ray Burns, Russel Burns and Ralph Burns; and her sisters, Joan Weber and Francis Burns.
She is survived by her daughter, Marcia Hartigan; her daughter-in-law, Chris Costa; her granddaughters, Stephanie Brady (Gary Brady) and Shayla Romero (Mike Romero); her great-grandchildren, Kollin Herrera, Felipe Brady, Nevi Brady, Annie Brady, and Tytan Romero; her great-great-grandson, Jaxton Herrera; her brothers, Roland Burns, Roy Burns, and Thomas Burns and her sister, Carol Clark; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
A viewing, Rosary, and graveside service will be held on July 23, 2026, at Skylawn Funeral Home, Memorial Park & Crematory in Half Moon Bay, California. The viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the Rosary and graveside service. There will also be a celebration of life in Utah on August 8, 2026.
If you would like to honor Toots’ memory, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in her name. This was a cause that was close to her heart.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the hospice team, caregivers, friends, and everyone who offered prayers, kindness, and support during Toots’ final journey. Toots taught us that a life isn’t measured by wealth or accomplishments, but by the people we love, the memories we create, and the kindness we leave behind. Her legacy lives on in every story told around the dinner table, every family gathering, and every heart she touched. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.