Mary L. Kostinas

March 18, 1929 - October 14, 2026

Mary L. Kostinas, 97, of Bordentown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Serenity Hospice Inpatient Unit at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born and raised in Hamilton Township, NJ, Mary was a lifelong area resident, most recently residing in Bordentown with her devoted daughter, Christine. She was a graduate of Hamilton High School, Class of 1948, where she was a member of the girls' softball team and played first base. Following graduation, Mary was employed for a short time with the State of New Jersey before meeting and marrying the love of her life, Leslie. Together, they settled in Trenton, where they built a loving home and raised their family.

Mary was a devoted wife and mother who took great pride in caring for her home and family. When her children reached school age, she returned to work part-time at Sears Catalog. As her children grew older, she continued her working career with The Trentonian newspaper. Following the passing of her beloved husband, Leslie, in 2007, Mary moved to Bordentown to make her home with her daughter, Christine.

Faith was an important part of Mary's life. She and Leslie were members of St. Basil's Romanian Byzantine Catholic Church and together they were actively involved in the parish community. A lifelong devoted parishioner, Mary was a member of the church's Altar Rosary Society and generously volunteered her time wherever she was needed. Her dedication to her church and her willingness to lend a helping hand were a reflection of her kind and caring nature. She was also a member of the Hamilton Township Senior HELP Group.

Mary found great happiness in life's simple pleasures, especially those shared with the people she loved. She looked forward to the family's annual summer vacations on Long Beach Island, where children, grandchildren, and extended family gathered to enjoy time together and create lasting memories. She also enjoyed trips to the casinos in Atlantic City and visits to Cape Cod to spend time with relatives.

A wonderful and talented cook, Mary had a natural gift in the kitchen and could prepare just about anything with seemingly little effort. She made cooking look easy, and the meals she lovingly prepared were another way of bringing her family together, especially at Thanksgiving. She also had a special appreciation for fresh flowers, which always brought her joy.

Above all else, Mary treasured her family. She was a proud and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who found her greatest happiness in being surrounded by those she loved. The traditions she created, the memories she shared, and the love she gave so freely will remain in the hearts of her family for generations to come.

Predeceased by her parents, Alex and Mary Lipski; her beloved husband, Leslie Kostinas; her daughter-in-law, Pegeen Kostinas; and her six siblings, Mary is survived by her loving children, Christine Kostinas and George Kostinas; her sister-in-law, Mary Russo; her cherished grandchildren, Erin (John) Hines and Leslie Kostinas; her three adored great-granddaughters, Taylor Hines, Cameron Hines, and Everly Kostinas; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Buklad-Merlino Memorial Home, 2141 South Broad Street, Hamilton, NJ.

A Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Basil's Romanian Byzantine Catholic Church, 238 Adeline Street, Trenton, NJ 08611.

Interment will follow in St. Basil's Romanian Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Clover Avenue, Hamilton, NJ.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Basil's Romanian Byzantine Catholic Church.

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