Susan Minor Costa

It is with a mixture of profound sadness and heartfelt celebration that we commemorate the life of Susan Minor Costa, who departed this world on September 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on June 11, 1961, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Susan was the cherished daughter of James Ramsey Minor III and Bourque Wunsch Minor, both of whom preceded her in death. Susan's life was a testament to love, dedication, and service. She was the beloved wife of Michael George Costa, with whom she shared 35 years of marriage. Together, they built a life rich in love, partnership, adventure, and happiness, raising two wonderful sons, Nicholas Alexander Costa and Michael Loyd Costa. Susan's compassionate spirit was evident through her career in nursing, a vocation that brought her immense joy and fulfillment. She began her journey at the Jewish Hospital nursing program in Cincinnati, Ohio, and soon after, embarked on a meaningful career at Drake Hospital as a rehabilitation nurse. It was there that she met the love of her life, Michael. From 1986 to 1990, she served as a neonatal flight nurse for Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the care of others. Upon becoming a mother, Susan transitioned to the NICU at Children’s Hospital, before moving to Toledo in 1994, where she served as an ER nurse at St. Vincent’s Hospital until 2003. Her journey then took her to Columbus, Ohio, and eventually to her forever home in Texas, where she worked for CHI St. Joseph’s and later as a hospice nurse for Brazos Valley Hospice until 2016. Susan's life was a tapestry woven with vibrant threads of art, glitter, scrapbooking, photography, and travel. She found immense joy in shopping for baskets, and her greatest pleasure was spending time with her beloved family. Her charismatic presence, kind heart, and spirited determination endeared her to all who knew her. She was a rock to many, always ready to lend a helping hand, yet she possessed a fierce loyalty that was never to be trifled with, as captured in her memorable "Suzi-ism": “I’m gunna rent a wood chipper, and find a catfish pond.” Susan's life was enriched by the love of her family, including her brother, James Ramsay Minor IV, and the cherished friendships she nurtured with Rosemary Costa Mercer, Judy Pochedley Wilkins, Kelly Flaherty Shannon, Mary Neely, and her beloved "Aunty," Tere Lightfoot. In honoring Susan's life and legacy, the family suggests that donations be made to a charity of your choice. Susan's generous spirit lives on in the lives she touched and the hearts she warmed. Her legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering support will forever be remembered by all who were fortunate to know her.