My mom, Kathleen Costello, passed away tonight from complications from something called Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. In 1992 she was accidentally exposed to airborne Toluene or TCE while in her office and the effect was to slowly destroy her lungs over the ensuing 12 years. She took early retirement in 1999 and became more and more confined over the years due to the continuing damage, spending 24 hours a day on various forms of Oxygen at home.

Friday the 2nd she was found, at home, having collapsed or fallen. She spent the next 12 days in the ICU at the hospital here, regaining consciousness occasionally, but never really making an improvement in her health. This past Monday evening she caught an infection of some sort that just added to her problems and diminished her respiratory ability further.

Tonight her heart just wound down and stopped. She didn't respond to resuscitation and it was clear her struggle was over.

For those in the area, the funeral home is Adams-Winterfield in Downers Grove, IL. Visitation will be from 3-8 pm CST on Sunday the 18th of January at Adams-Winterfield in Downers Grove. The funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. CST Monday the 19th at Divine Saviour Catholic Church of Downers Grove, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Newberry Library, The Art Institute of Chicago, or the charity of your choice are appreciated.

So, keep her in your thoughts, prayers, or whatever you exercise your beliefs in.