Adele Eugenia (Costa) Whalen

Adele (Costa) Whalen, age 80, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, in Danbury, Connecticut.

Born on April 18, 1945, in Yonkers, New York, Adele lived a life filled with love, creativity, and devotion to her family. 

Adele grew up in Mount Vernon, NY.  She graduated from the College of New Rochelle and then began her career as an elementary school teacher in Rye, NY.  After choosing to stay home to be with and raise her children, she returned to teaching as an elementary school art teacher in Brookfield, CT.  It was her passion for education and the arts that left a lasting impression on her students and colleagues alike. 

At home, Adele was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She married her late husband Barry in 1970.   While they had known each other as children their relationship grew after working together as camp counselors at St. Catherine’s day camp.  After marrying they lived in Eastchester, NY before moving to Connecticut where they started a family and built a life together. As camp counselors and later teachers, their passion for education created a special bond throughout their lives together.  They also shared a love of travel and created cherished memories exploring new places together.

Adele is survived by her three children and their spouses: Christopher Whalen of New York, NY; Heather Thibodaux and her husband Cal of Ridgefield, CT; and Barry Whalen and his wife Susan of Brookfield, CT.  She was also a very proud grandmother to Henry (11) and Charlie (4), who brought immense joy to her life.  As luck would have it they lived just across the street granting her the benefit of sharing her values in their upbringing. 

She is also survived by her brother John Costa and wife Beth and sister-in-law Nancy Costa and husband Tom, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.   She was predeceased by her parents Aldo and Anne Costa and her siblings Gene Costa and Angela Ortolani. 

Adele was an avid gardener who delighted in nurturing vibrant blooms and spending countless hours in her garden. She took great pleasure in caring for her home that she lived in for over 50 years and always keeping things fresh by decorating for the changing seasons.  A lover of books and art, she enjoyed reading captivating stories and experimenting with various artistic mediums.  

Adele’s warmth, creativity, and dedication to her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those she leaves behind. 

A Memorial Mass will be held on March 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church 138 Candlewood Lake Rd, Brookfield, CT.