State Sen. Troy Singleton and the Burlington County Commissioners are mourning the death of former state senator, assemblywoman and freeholder Catherine Costa.
The 99-year-old, a resident of Willingboro and Mount Laurel, served on the Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1972 to 1983 and was its director in 1975. She spent nine years in the state legislature, first in the assembly, from 1982 to 1983, and then the senate from 1984 until 1991.
“Our board was heartbroken to learn of the passing of Catherine Costa,” said Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson, who said Costa was also one of the first women to serve in both chambers of the state legislature and as a director of the New Jersey Division of Alcohol and Beverage Control. She also helped found the Willingboro library.
“Cathy was always outspoken, and she never backed down or failed to stand up for Burlington County’s residents or communities,” Hopson added.
Singleton noted that Costa was one of the first residents of Levittown, the planned community later renamed Willingboro. She was inspired to enter public service and government after seeing President John F. Kennedy speak at the Willingboro Plaza just before his 1960 election.
“Catherine Costa believed deeply in community and in public service,” noted Singleton. “Her leadership in Willingboro, Burlington County and the New Jersey legislature helped blaze a trail for generations of women. Decades later, Burlington County residents are still impacted by her service.”
