Louise Kostecki, 88 YOUNGSTOWN - Louise Kostecki, 88, a lifelong area resident and retired registered nurse, passed away at Brookdale Cornersburg assisted living facility early Wednesday morning, April 27 after a long illness. Louise was born September 22, 1927, a daughter of the late Walenty and Katarzyna Ziemanska Serwatka of Campbell. As a child she and her sister Janein volunteered their services at church every week in preparation for Sunday Masses. During her school years she excelled academically, loved poetry and participated at ethnic events where she was a featured reader at Polish recitations. She also learned the art of pysanky - designing Easter eggs - a craft she enjoyed throughout life. She attended Campbell Memorial High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and a past president of her class. She participated in national Latin Achievement Competition at Kent State University. She graduated in 1944 as class salutatorian. As a young adult Louise sang in the church choir and supervised at an area playground during summer months. She attended St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1948; she was awarded the Bishop James A. McFadden Medal of Honor for proficiency. She worked as a pediatric nurse at St. Elizabeth's for 5 years and was a member of St. Elizabeth Hospital Nursing School Alumnae Association. She enjoyed playing cards and dining out with her classmates, and maintained close relationships with them throughout their lives. Louise was a member of St. Dominic Church and transferred to St. Patrick's in the early 1980s. At St. Dominic School she volunteered for several years as a teacher's aide and assisted in the Proficiency Test programs. At St. Patrick's, she was a member of the Altar Guild and the Prayer Network, participated in the original Restoration and Preservation Campaign under the leadership of Fr. Lisi, and did whatever she could to help facilitate the success of various church programs. Louise had many trusted and loyal friends whom she treasured, and enjoyed corresponding with family and friends. She loved being a mother and devoted her life to helping others. She helped her family during times of serious illness or difficulty and was a caregiver for her sister for many years. Louise loved art and history. For many years she was a member of the Butler Art Institute, YSU's Annual fund and the Mahoning Valley Historical society. She enjoyed photography and making scrap books as well as decorating her home during its many renovations. Louise was an avid reader and loved biographies, historical novels, Newsweek, the Catholic Exponent and various newspapers. She enjoyed attending movies, musical theatre and opera performances; listening to music especially country/western, religious and classical; shopping and dining out with her daughter, and visiting with family and friends. Louise leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Jayne Allison of Columbus, goddaughter Angela Patrick of Florida and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Theodore, her parents, sisters Mary and Janein Servatka, several close friends and cousins. A very special thanks to Dr. Charles Wilkins for the excellent care and compassion during Louise's declining years. Friends may call on the family at St. Patrick Church one hour prior to a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 29. A committal ceremony will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in Louise's memory may give to St. Patrick Church. Arrangements were entrusted to the Fox Funeral Home in Boardman. www.foxfuneralhome.com