Rosemary Costello Eastman
Sept. 17, 1930-April 16, 2022
Rosemary Costello Eastman (Rae) passed away peacefully April 16, 2022, at home, in Evansville, Indiana, with family at her side. She lived a long and happy life for over 91 years.
On Sept. 17, 1930, Rae was born to Edward and Helen (Foran) Costello in Omaha, Nebraska. She graduated from Cathedral High School in Omaha in 1949, before entering the work world for 10 years. Rosemary stole the heart of John (Jack) Eastman and the two were married on April 12, 1958. They shared a warm and loving marriage together for 62 years, and successfully raised nine children.
Following the birth of their two oldest children in Omaha and Peoria, Rae and Jack moved the family to Crawfordsville, where they lived for over 55 years. Raising children and running a large household was a fulltime undertaking for Rae. She made daily runs to the grocery store and cooked healthy meals in very large portions. The family dined together on most nights and Sunday dinners were always special. She enjoyed 30 years in retirement with Jack. They enjoyed traveling to visit their children and loved to attend any events involving their grandchildren. Rae took great pleasure in caring for her family and she was very proud of all the many achievements. For many years, Rae enjoyed water aerobics and daily walks.
She will be remembered fondly as mom, grandma, great grandma (GG) and aunt by nine kids, 16 grandkids, four great-grandchildren, and dozens of nieces and nephews. These were roles she was born to play … and she loved spending time with all of them. Rae was friendly to everyone. She took great care of her family, possessing a giving personality and a sharp wit. She will be dearly missed and forever our “Irish Rose.”
Rae is reunited with her husband, Jack, who passed in April 2020. Her memory will long be honored by nine children and their spouses: Julie and Jerry Niccum, Ed and Renee Eastman, John Eastman Jr., Joanie and Joe Durchholz, Terri McConnell (Lloyd McConnell deceased), Tom and Susan Eastman, Janet and Mike Heinold, Nancy and Daryl Swick, and Jeff and Annie Eastman. Rae’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren will fondly remember her as well: Danny and Katie (with husband, Allen Lormand) Niccum; Mike (with fiancée Kathryn Jokela) and Alex Eastman; Julia (and daughter Ava), Jessica (with husband, Nick Kleaving, and son, Henry), Louie, and Joe Durchholz; Sam (with wife, Rachel, and son Theodor) and Hannah Eastman; Emma and Eddie Heinold; Kaleb Swick (with fiancée, Riley Shaner, and daughter Millie); and Emily, Sylvia and Will Eastman. Rae is survived by her brother, Jim. She is predeceased by her parents and four siblings: Ed, Bill, Renee, and Steve. May she rest in peace under the good grace of God.
A visitation is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 25 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Crawfordsville. It will be immediately followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. For those who wish to honor Rosemary’s memory, you are invited to make memorial donations to her favored charity: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org).
Irish Blessing –
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
