Cecilia Z. Costlow, 90, of Frederick, Maryland, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2015. She was the wife of Dr. Richard D. Costlow. Born on September 19, 1925 in Johnstown, PA, she was the daughter of the late Josephine and Frank Zips. Cecilia was a graduate of Johnstown High School and graduated magna cum laude in 1983 from Hood College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design. She was also a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the Phi Theta Kappa, national honor fraternity and the Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society. For many years she was active in the Home School Association of St. John Elementary School where she served as a volunteer librarian for six years. Later she worked as Assistant Librarian at St. John's, Prospect Hall High School. She participated in the Scouting program as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader for several years. Her favorite hobby was flower arranging from which she obtained several awards and provided flower arrangements for several weddings and anniversaries. Cecilia served on the Board of Directors from 1974 to 1976 for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society and helped to organize the Frederick County Chapter of the United Ostomy Association, serving as president for two years and held other offices. This organization was for the rehabilitation of ostomates. Cecilia was a certified member of the American Society of Interior Design and worked professionally as an interior designer until she retired in 1992. She was a lifetime member of the Green-walled Garden Club, Women's Auxiliary of the Frederick Memorial Hospital, Hood College Alumnae, Frederick County Landmarks, and Frederick Arts Council. She was an active member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and was a volunteer in the Eucharistic ministry program visiting local nursing homes and Frederick Memorial Hospital. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Richard and four children; Richard and wife Carol of Lansdale, PA; Frederick and wife Regina of Bangor, ME; Sarah Costlow (Debelius) of Frederick, MD; Kathleen and husband John D'Amore of Frederick, MD. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: David, wife Annie and children Zachary and Natalie; Erin and Kerry Costlow; Emily and husband Zachary Mitchell; Cathleen and husband Peter Silberman and daughter Mia; Hannah Debelius; and Rachel Costlow. Surviving are also her two sisters: Josephine Cable of Johnstown, PA and Helen Ayers of Bement, IL. There will be no visitation; A Memorial Mass will be held at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 118 E. 2nd Street, Frederick, MD on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 9:30am. Father Kevin farmer will officiate. Interment will be held at a later date at Saint John's Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. John the Evangelist Church Memorial Fund at the above address or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Keeney & Basford Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.keeneybasford.com
