Margaret Ann Costanza

1953 - 2025 Margaret Ann Costanza was born on October 6, 1953, in Trona, California, where her father worked construction, building homes for a growing town. After their time in Trona, her family - father Robert Costanza, mother Jackie Costanza, and older brother Edward, returned to their roots in Belen, New Mexico. It was there the family grew with the additions of James, Laura, Lisa, and Paul. Robert continued his construction work, and in 1963, he planted what would become the beloved Costanza apple orchard, where the children learned to grow, harvest, and sell their locally cherished apples. Margaret graduated from Belen High School in 1971 and attended Eastern New Mexico University in Portales. She later became the devoted mother of two daughters, Gina Finical and Jeannette Bendick. After returning to New Mexico, Margaret resumed her life of hard work and service – raising her daughters with love and grace while helping run the family orchard. Margaret would go to the family orchard in Belen, where her Dad would load her up with apples that she would take to area farmers’ markets to sell, along with her two children assisting her. The testament to her demeanor is that both children are accomplished nurses with master’s degrees - Gina now pursuing her doctorate. Both are loving mothers, a reflection of the values Margaret instilled. She is survived by four cherished grandchildren – Richard and his wife Callie, Aliyah, Aaron, and Alexis, and was joyfully anticipating the arrival of her first great-grandchild. Margaret gave of herself in every way. She volunteered in her community, showed up for those in need, and served quietly but consistently behind the scenes. Whether organizing family reunions, preparing meals, offering support and prayer, sewing scrub caps and face masks for healthcare workers during the pandemic, Margaret was the heart of every gathering. She had an extraordinary gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel valued. Margaret loved to dance, sew, craft, read, and her smile lit up a room. She was deeply religious, reading her bible regularly and strived to live by its teachings. Her husband was always astounded at her ability to make decisions that were both morally grounded and practical – qualities that endeared her to those around her and built a circle of friends who became like family. She approached her imperfections with humility and a desire to grow – a quiet strength that made her even more beloved. Though Margaret traveled the world for both business and pleasure, she returned to the orchard and made it her last home, a place where family and friends gathered for unforgettable reunions, milestone celebrations, and quiet moments of togetherness. Her greatest joy was her children and grandchildren, and she was endlessly proud of their accomplishments. Following her father’s passing, Margaret stepped into the role of managing the family Costanza orchard. She continued the family tradition of taking apples to farmers’ markets across the region, with Gina, Jeannette, Richard, and Aliyah by her side, passing on the same work ethic and love for community that she had inherited. She was tireless, generous, and committed – not only to her family business but to her neighbors and community as well. Margaret passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family who adored her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jackie, and her sister Lisa. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, service, and family. She is survived by her devoted husband, her daughters, Gina Finical and Jeannette Bendick, Jeannette’s husband Nick, sister Laura Costanza, brothers Edward Costanza dsand his wife Louella, James Costanza and his wife Raynette, Paul Costanza and his wife Marletta, her grandchildren, siblings, many nieces, nephews, extended family, and the many friends who became family along the way, Alan and Kim, Linda, Gail, Virgina, Carol, Anne and Howard, Kathe, Grant and Peaches, Marsha and Arley, John and Marisusan, Gary and Toni, Patrick, and Josh. Margaret’s life was a testament to the power of compassion, community, and unwavering love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Please sign Margaret’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM.

Margaret Ann Costanza

October 6, 1953 - April 19, 2025