Shirley Ann Costango

Shirley was born on February 11, 1935 in St. Georges, Delaware to Gertrude W. (Bright) and Robert C. Davidson. She graduated valedictorian from Delaware City High School and received a French National Merit Scholarship for college in 1953 but decided to forego college to marry her high school sweetheart
H. James Jim Costango. Jim had enlisted in the United States Air Force and this led to their relocation to Tampa, Florida where they lived, worked and raised their three children over the course of 44 years.

Shirley was the Vice President of Tam-Bay Realty in Florida until the company was sold in 1998. She then moved back to St. Georges, DE where she enjoyed her cats and friendships with new and old friends alike. Shirley was a bright, compassionate woman with a wonderful sense of humor that remained with her always. She loved music, playing the piano, singing show tunes, watching old movies, all animals and beauty everywhere. She was a board member of the First Presbyterian Church Preservation Society and volunteered and contributed to animal rescue organizations throughout her life. Shirley was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2013 and eventually came to live in Tallahassee, FL .

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, Jim Costango, her son Kelvin Kelly James Costango and her younger sister Denise Davidson Millay. She is survived by her daughter Karen Lyn Vogter (Tallahassee), her youngest son Kordell Kory James Costango (Tampa), her two grandchildren, Jamie Anne (Jacksonville) and Jordan Mark (St. Petersburg) Vogter, her daughter-in-law Kay DeHaan Costango, and her younger brother Kenneth L. Davidson (Wilmington).

Shirley will be buried next to her husband in St. Georges, DE. Contributions in her honor can be made to Forgotten Cats in Delaware or to any animal rescue organization or Alzheimer’s Research Foundation of your choice. There will be a Celebration of Shirley’s life on December 9th in Delaware City. Bring your memories and stories and join us in remembering our mother, sister, Mimi, Aunt, and friend.