Costa, Ruth
Ruth Costa (Lighty) passed away on June 1, 2017, in San Tan Valley, Arizona. She was 75 years old. She was an accomplished musician, having studied music at Oberlin Conservatory, the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria and had a Bachelor’s degree from Montclair and a Master’s from Trenton State. Although she played many instruments, the French horn and piano were her favorites.
Ruth was a member of the New Sussex Symphony, loved playing chamber music, was the accompanist for the Children’s Chorus of Sussex County and also sang in the church choir. She taught music for 25 years, most of which were at Andover Regional School. She continued being active in musical groups after her retirement in 2000.
After a 10 year marriage and residency in Salzburg, where her children were born, she moved back to Newton NJ, and married Constantine (Gus) Costa in 1974. She leaves behind four boys, Paul, Hannes, Stefan, and Thomas (Ruderstaller), two grandchildren, Emily and Michael Ruderstaller, and a brother Richard Lighty (Sally), and sister, Delma Birbilis (Tom). Her beloved husband, Gus, died in 2016.
Ruth was a loving wife, mother, daughter and grandmother. Family and home always came first. She loved gardening and traveling, and being with her friends. She will be sorely missed.
A memorial service will be held at the Christ Episcopal Church in Newton NJ. on September 17, 2017 at Noon.
