Eleanor Kostic

July 10, 1936 – May 12, 2026

Eleanor Kostic, 89, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, at the home of her son, Christopher Kostic, and daughter-in-law, Nicole Kostic, who lovingly cared for her and looked after her for more than fifteen years.

Born on July 10, 1936, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Eleanor, affectionately known as "Ellie," was the daughter of the late Anthony and Catherine (Vacca) Catananzi. She lived a life rooted in Christian faith, traditional family values, compassion, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to those she loved.

Eleanor married the love of her life, John Kostic. Their story began at a rollerskating rink and blossomed into a marriage that endured for nearly seven decades. Together, they built a loving home founded on faith, devotion, and family.

In her twenties, Eleanor traveled throughout the world with her husband during his service in the United States Navy. Although she and John faced challenges in having children of their own, Eleanor trusted in God's plan for her life. She joyfully adopted her son, Christopher Kostic, and daughter, Therese Kostic, saying, "God brought them to me". She embraced motherhood as a blessing from God and devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her children in a Christian home.

Eleanor's faith in Jesus Christ guided every aspect of her life. Her conservative values and deep Christian beliefs formed the foundation of her family and remained at the forefront of every decision she made. She believed in personal responsibility, kindness, service to others, respect for family, and unwavering trust in God. These principles became her legacy, passed down to her children and grandchildren through her example and guidance.

A woman of remarkable creativity and vision, Eleanor was an inventor long before innovation became fashionable. As recycling concepts began to emerge in the 1970s, she designed and patented a recycling container intended to separate plastics from other wastes. One attorney remarked that she was "ahead of her time". Throughout her life, she created dozens of inventions, carefully drafting detailed blueprints that reflected both her artistic talents and inventive spirit.

One of Eleanor's greatest joys was her yard, where she transformed ordinary spaces into enchanting landscapes through imagination, hard work, and love. She found peace in nature and took pride in creating beauty wherever she could.

Music was another passion that enriched her life. She believed music was a gift from God and insisted that her children learn to play instruments and read music, fostering an appreciation that would remain with them throughout their lives.

Eleanor was deeply committed to serving her community. She volunteered at the Andover Senior Center, helping senior citizens navigate financial matters and assisting many as they transitioned into Andover Senior Housing. Her kindness helped ease the burdens that often accompany life's later chapters. She also worked tirelessly to collect donations and prizes from local businesses for the annual Andover Easter Egg Hunts, bringing joy to countless children and families.

A devoted lover of animals, Eleanor never turned away a stray--whether it was a dog, cat, bird, reptile, or any other critter her son Christopher brought home, she always found room in her heart.

Among her greatest blessings were her grandchildren, Alicia Kostic and Christian Kostic. She treasured every moment spent with them and took special joy in passing on her faith in God, her love of family, and the traditional values she held dear.

Family gatherings were made even more special by Eleanor's beloved Crocchè di Patate, affectionately called by her husband, "Bunzaroot", a treasured traditional Italian side dish that brought generations together around the table.

Eleanor cherished long conversations with her brothers, Anthony Catananzi and Alfred Catananzi, her sisters-in-law, Barbara Freeman and Victoria Catananzi, as well as her lifelong friends, Grace Flippin and Richard and Sandy Kent, and shared a particularly close bond with her sister, Catherine Cortez, who often viewed Eleanor not simply as a sister, but as a mother figure and trusted guide.

She is survived by her son, Christopher Kostic and his wife, Nicole Kostic; her daughter, Therese Kostic and her husband, Thomas Leonard; her beloved grandchildren, Alicia Kostic and Christian Kostic; her longtime dear friend, Sandy Kent; her beloved dog, Sonny; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members whose lives were enriched by her wisdom, generosity, and faith.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John Kostic; her brothers, Anthony Catananzi and Alfred Catananzi; and her sisters, Catherine Cortez, Theresa Catananzi, and Anna Catananzi; and her longtime dear friends, Grace Flippin and Richard Kent.

Christopher and Nicole would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her home health aides Pam, Phyllis, Celia, and Kelly for their exceptional care, compassion, kindness, and support they provided throughout Eleanor's journey. Their dedication brought comfort not only to her but also to Christopher and Nicole, and their care will always be remembered with deep appreciation.

Eleanor's greatest gift was her ability to nurture and care for others. Whether tending her yard, helping a neighbor, supporting the elderly, rescuing an animal, or gathering loved ones around the family table, she made everyone feel welcome and loved. Her enduring legacy lives on through the Christian faith she shared, the conservative family values she instilled in her children and grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to God and family.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23