Lydia R. Costa, 70, of Fall River, wife of Russell J. Costa, passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Charlton Memorial Hospital after an illness. Born in Arrifes, St. Michael, Azores, a daughter of the late Agostinho B. Massa and the late Olimpia (Raposo) Massa, she emigrated to Fall River in 1967.

Lydia was a 1979 graduate of Bristol Community College.  Employed in the banking industry and as an accounts receivable clerk at the former Quaker Fabric for many years, Lydia was also the parish secretary at St. John of God Church for 12 years, retiring in 2020. A member of her parish Portuguese Choir at Espirito Santo Church, she was also in charge of its 40 Week Club for a number of years.

When her children were younger, Lydia enjoyed serving as scout leader for the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts. She enjoyed singing, reading, and watching EWTN and other religious programming on the television.

Besides her husband of 43 years, she is survived by: three children, Angela Spaziano (husband John) of Providence, RI, Gregory R. Costa of Fall River, and Peter R. Costa of Fall River; ten siblings, Alda Correia of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Abel Massa of Portsmouth, RI, Olimpio Massa of Somerset, Mary Medeiros of Fall River, Ruth Coughlin of Fall River, Cidalia Thibault of Skowhegan, ME, Benjamin Massa of Swansea, Nelia O'Dwyer of Westport, Vasco Massa of Fall River, and Teresa Michael of Fall River; a granddaughter, Lillian; and many nieces and nephews. Lydia was also predeceased by her son, Phillip, and was the sister of the late Gilberta Gallant and Agostinho Massa, Jr.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, January 11th, in Espirito Santo Church followed by her committal at Notre Dame Cemetery.

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. If you were unable to do so, because of health concerns or any other reason, all are urged to express their sympathy online or by mail. To ensure that said condolences and/or sympathy cards reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website (www.silvafaria.com) and not through a third party. Thank you!