Helen C. Costa, a longtime and well-known resident of Provincetown, died peacefully after a brief illness at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis on January 10, 2018.
Born August 13, 1933 in Provincetown, the daughter of the late Frank and Anna (Gomes) Salles, she lived here for 81 years before moving to Orleans. She was loved by everyone who met her and was cherished by her many friends.
Helen was best known as the co-owner, with her late husband Gerald J. Costa who died in 2011, of the Provincetown Whale Watch Vessel Ranger V, deep sea fishing vessels Trade Winds and Ranger III, for sport fishing on the Inca and commercial fishing on the Little Infant.
Few people knew she was a very talented artist from an early age and we cherish her few pieces of art. She also was an avid reader.
She is survived by daughters Geraldine A. (Costa) Santos of Eastham, Donna Costa Gemborys and husband Dan Bogaczyk of South Orleans, and a son Gerald J. Costa Jr. and his fiancé Donna B. Grim of Truro. She also leaves her sister Mary Ann (Salles) Kochka and husband Donald of Brewster, grandchildren Michelle L. Gemborys & fiancé Paul Rosser of Cotuit, Matthew S. Gemborys and wife Svetlana of Eastham and her great granddaughter Leah Rose Gemborys. She had countless nieces and nephews.
She was pre-deceased by her sister, Elsa DeJesus (Salles) Meads of Provincetown and brother Frank Salles Jr. of Orleans. She had a long relationship with the late Robert Meads of Provincetown.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass celebrating her life at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 10th at St. Peters the Apostle Church, 11 Prince St., Provincetown.
If desired, donations in her name may be made to the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.