It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Arden Costanzo of Concord, CA, formerly of Monroe, CT, and Norfolk, VA, on December 4, 2022, at the age of 89. Arden was born in Newark, NJ, the daughter of Joseph “Joe” Weckstein and Frances Weckstein (neé Michton).

After immigrating to the United States from the country of Georgia as a child to escape the religious persecution of Jews in the early 1900s, Joe met and married Frances. Though Frances was the first generation of her family born in the United States, the couple came from similar backgrounds and would eventually realize their American Dream of becoming business owners and raising two children, Arden and Morris.

Arden spent much of her time growing up in Millburn, NJ with her younger brother. The siblings spent many special summers together with their family at their grandmother’s boarding house at the beach in Atlantic City. From a very young age, Arden was mesmerized by the design and fashion world and often showcased her clothing designs at high school talent shows. This early interest would blossom into life-long passions for and careers in interior design and fashion.

Arden attended the Rhode Island School of Design, the University of Connecticut, and the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in Manhattan, where she focused on a career in interior design. After college, Arden married, had daughters, Jill and Lisa, and began to raise them in the Fairfield, CT area. Arden raised extremely strong, loving, and resilient daughters, who would grow up to make her incredibly proud.

Arden turned lemons into lemonade, and after the end of her first marriage set out to build a life of her own despite her fears, and began her own necktie business. Arden would go on to meet and marry the love of her life, Ralph “Ray” Costanzo, on January 5, 1980. Arden and Ray built a beautiful life during their 30 years together. The couple shared countless special hobbies including travel, fine dining, ballroom dancing, attending Broadway shows, watching the Yankees, and spending time together at their home in Monroe, CT.

After Arden and Ray both retired from successful careers in bank management and mechanical aviation engineering, the couple dedicated their time to their daughters, and granddaughters, Jessica, Lydia, and Dana. Many magical summers were spent at “Camp Costanzo,” where they would set up an endless menu of activities for the girls ranging from softball to sewing camp, swims at Wolfe Park, Broadway plays, and computer lessons.

After Ray passed in 2005, Arden moved to Norfolk, VA to be closer to her family. Arden’s heart held close to Ray’s memory and her support as a mother, and grandmother grew in depth as each of us moved to new phases of life. Arden never stopped moving or learning. She bought her first real estate at the age of 79, and took computer classes, mostly to shop online, but would eventually be the only grandmother we knew who could text and facetime like a whiz. In her last two years, Arden moved to Concord, CA and spent time enjoying the sun, her stunning view of Mt. Diablo, and time with daughter, Lisa.

Arden exuded class and elegance. Not because she was born to it but because it was born to her. Through good times, and through trials, she remained unwaveringly true to herself, often not realizing the strength she had inside her or that she inspired in others. She was our best friend and number one supporter for each new step and each set back. Arden was witty, and strong minded, intelligent, and creative, thoughtful, and soft, but defiantly tough. She was there for long conversations, as a shoulder to cry on, and for friendly debates, usually about politics or, of course, the Yankees.

Arden shared all these amazing qualities and more with the next generations of her family. She leaves a legacy of strong women behind her and was the true matriarch of her family. We mourn Arden’s loss greatly and remain dedicated to carrying on her legacy for generations to come.

Arden is survived by her daughters, Jill Lewis (Mike) of Norfolk, VA, and Lisa Leff (John Blasquez) of Walnut Creek, CA, her grandchildren, Jessica Mathews, Lydia Sullivan (John), and Dana Harris (Jack), and cherished great-grandchildren Mia Sullivan and Cole Harris. Arden is predeceased by her beloved husband, Ralph D. Costanzo, her parents, and brother.

A private celebration of life will be held by Arden’s family in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in her honor. We invite you to share memories of Arden here in the guestbook.

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