Yvonne Marie Costin

Yvonne Marie Costin was a woman of profound faith, strength, and dedication. She was a respected business owner, beloved mother of three, grandmother of seven grandchildren and a great-grandmother of four great-grandchildren. She passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family and the legacy she dedicated her life building.

Born in Buffalo, New York, Yvonne was raised in the Catholic Church and developed a deep sense of spirituality early in life. In her mid-twenties, she bravely chose a new path — one guided by personal revelation, self-worth, and hope for a better life for herself and her three children. She left the Church and her first marriage in search of something more.

In time, she found love once more in Theron T. Costin, an Army serviceman whose kindness, support, and Methodist faith brought renewed light into her life. They were united in marriage on December 18th, 1970 and remained together for 38 years. Together with their little family, they built a new life in Colorado.

Yvonne held an Associate of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from Bryant & Stratton College, graduating in 1959. Motivated by an unwavering drive to succeed, Yvonne consistently strove to excel and distinguish herself in every workplace she entered. Some titles she held were being active on Colorado MERF, and being vice-president of the Foundation for the Advancement of Talent in Education (FATE). She strove for greatness until retirement. Never one to sit still, she busied herself with house project after project, took her grandchildren to experience theatre and to get their first manicures, taking photographs and documenting her adventures all along the way. Ultimately within her restlessness, she still felt like she was missing something in life and decided retirement was not for her. This realization in hand, she dove headfirst into a new adventure: opening her own business.

In 2004, Yvonne founded Grandma’s Handyman Service after years of repairing her own home and helping others do the same. What began as a personal calling grew into one of Aurora’s most respected small businesses, known for its commitment to quality and Grandma’s caring customer service.

Her business earned widespread recognition. She received many awards over her years of service; some notable ones were: Aurora Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year (2012), Angie’s List Super Service Awards (2007–2019), Aurora Business Women Outstanding Small Business Leader Award (2010–2011), Aurora Sentinel Readers' Choice & Critics' Awards (2009–2012), Best of Aurora Awards (2015–2019), CMUS Talk of the Town & Pulse of the City Customer Satisfaction Awards (2012–2017).

Yvonne was a writer and collected various articles and documented her life. A prolific, defining moment for her was her realization that she was not where she wanted to be with her faith. In 2014, she saw Rabbi Kirt Schneider on the television. Drawn in by his words that resonated with her growing desire to explore the Old Testament and other aspects of her faith, she found a Messianic Jewish Congregation called Teshuat Tsion. There, she was warmly greeted and became an official member on July 12, 2014. After joining the synagogue, she dedicated her time to serving in the Care Ministry and flourishing in her faith.

Above all, Yvonne cared deeply about ensuring her family did not have to struggle alone and would have a bright future. Always willing to help her family, she made sure she was present to lend an ear or offer some of the knowledge she’d garnered over her many years and give advice. She adopted and raised her granddaughter, Angelina, after the passing of her daughter, Andrea, and raised her as her own with unwavering love, endless support, and pride. In the final years of Yvonne's life, Angelina cared for her with the same love and support she had received, making sure Yvonne was comfortable and always felt valued. Angelina ensured Yvonne’s final requests to stay and pass away in her own home were granted, dedicating over a year of her life learning to be a caretaker so that her mother was cared for properly and in a way befitting a woman who always valued her independence.

A resonating quote of Yvonne’s that was found amongst her writings was, “The energy generated from being among one’s equals provides fuel for the mind.”

Yvonne was preceded in death by her daughter, Andrea Costin, nephew, Spencer Costin, and husband, Theron T. Costin. Yvonne is survived by her daughter, Angelina (Quinn) Conkey, sons, Steven (Theresa) Costin and his four daughters (Jamie (Alex), Julia, Lauren, and Amanda), Vincient “Vinny” Morsicato and his children (daughter Amber, son Joshua (Abigail)), sister-in-law Kris Costin and nephew (Tyler), daughter-in-laws (Gail and Shelly), and four great-grandchildren (Avlyn, Magdalene, Maia, and Enzo).