Colleen Veronica Ann Koval

In Loving Memory of Colleen Veronica Koval

Colleen Veronica Koval, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026, at the age of 93, following a courageous battle with dementia.

Colleen was born on June 30, 1933, in Tacoma, Washington, to Walter Stanley McHugh and Elida Depew Glidden McHugh. She was raised with strong values of faith, family, education, and service, principles that would guide her throughout her long and meaningful life.

She attended Saint Patrick's School in Tacoma until her family moved to Fox Island, Washington, where she attended the island's historic one-room schoolhouse through the seventh grade. The years she spent on Fox Island left a lasting impression on her and fostered a lifelong love for the island and its community.

As a teenager, Colleen moved to North Bend, Oregon, where she completed her education at Taft High School. Her academic success and love of learning led her to enroll at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. During her years at Gonzaga, she participated in numerous clubs and organizations and became an accomplished skeet shooter, holding records that stood for many years. Her achievements reflected the determination, discipline, and competitive spirit that defined her character.

After completing four years at Gonzaga, Colleen returned to Tacoma and attended the University of Puget Sound, where she completed her fifth year of study and earned her Teaching Certificate.

Colleen began her teaching career at Midway Elementary School, where she shared her love of learning with young students. After marrying and raising a family, she devoted much of her time to her five children: Lloyd Costello Jr., Shannon, Leonard, Catherine, and Walter Charles "Chuck" Costello. As her children grew older, she returned to education as a substitute teacher throughout the Tacoma and Lakewood School Districts.

Always energetic and community-minded, Colleen later became a partner in Alder Street Realty, where she enjoyed helping others and building lasting relationships until her retirement.

Throughout her life, Colleen was known for her selflessness and devotion to family. She lovingly cared for her father, Walter, her beloved Aunt Florence, and later her husband, George Koval, during his final years. Caring for others was one of her greatest gifts and exemplified the compassion and generosity that touched so many lives.

A woman of deep and unwavering faith, Colleen was a devoted member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Tacoma. Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and generously volunteered her time in countless ways. She regularly helped clean the sanctuary and faithfully participated in Perpetual Adoration, often taking the overnight hours to spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Fox Island remained her sanctuary throughout her life. She spent many summers there with family before eventually making it her permanent home in retirement. With dedication and vision, she transformed the family summer cottage into a welcoming year-round residence where she became famous for hosting large Christmas Eve gatherings. Family members traveled from near and far to celebrate together, creating cherished memories that will live on for generations.

Colleen remained actively involved in the Fox Island community, volunteering with Holy Cross Church, the Fox Island Cemetery, and the Fox Island Historical Society. She valued preserving both her family's heritage and the history of the community she loved so dearly.

One of the great joys of her later years was living near her brother David McHugh and his wife Shirley. She treasured the many holidays, reunions, celebrations, and family gatherings held at the beloved McHugh-Costello family estate, where generations came together to celebrate their shared history and strengthen family bonds.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Stanley McHugh and Elida Depew Glidden McHugh; her husband, George Koval; her sister, Marjorie Paske; her brothers, William Signs, John McHugh, Walter "Buster" McHugh, and David McHugh; and two of her children, Lloyd Costello Jr. and Walter Charles "Chuck" Costello.

She is survived by her loving children, Shannon, Leonard, and Catherine, and their spouses. She also leaves behind countless loving nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy and pride throughout her life.

Those who knew Colleen will remember her steadfast faith, generous heart, strength of character, and unwavering devotion to family. Whether she was teaching, volunteering, caring for loved ones, or gathering family around her table, she led by example and enriched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Though dementia gradually took many of her memories, it never diminished the remarkable woman she was nor the legacy she leaves behind. Her family finds comfort knowing she has been reunited with her loved ones and rests peacefully in God's eternal embrace.

Rosary and Funeral Services

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Colleen Veronica Koval and honor her legacy of faith, family, and service.

The Rosary will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Gaffney Funeral Home, 1002 South Yakima Avenue, Tacoma, Washington 98405. A viewing will be held prior to the Rosary from 5:50 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 5510 North 44th Street, Tacoma, Washington 98407. A reception will immediately follow the Mass.

Following the reception, Colleen will be laid to rest at Fox Island Cemetery, a place she loved dearly and called home for much of her life.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Matthew 25:23

May Colleen Veronica Koval rest in eternal peace.