State Senator Troy Singleton and the Burlington County Commissioners are expressing their condolences following the death of Catherine Costa, a former New Jersey Senator, Assemblywoman, and Freeholder.
Costa lived in Willingboro and Mount Laurel. She was part of the Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1972 to 1983 and served as the Board’s Director in 1975. Her legislative career included nine years in the New Jersey Legislature: first in the General Assembly from 1982 to 1983, then in the Senate from 1984 until 1991.
Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson stated, “Our board was heartbroken to learn of the passing of Catherine Costa. Not only was she the first woman elected to the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders, she was also one of the first women to serve in both chambers of the New Jersey Legislature and as director of the New Jersey Division of Alcohol and Beverage Control.” Hopson added that Costa’s early community service efforts were significant, including her role in founding the Willingboro Library by collecting used books for its collection. “She cared deeply about Burlington County,” Hopson said. “Our hearts go out to her surviving family members, friends and colleagues.”
Senator Singleton highlighted Costa’s roots as one of Levittown’s first residents—later renamed Willingboro—and her inspiration drawn from John F. Kennedy’s speech at Willingboro Plaza in October 1960. He remarked on her impact: “Catherine Costa believed deeply in community and public service. Her leadership… helped blaze a trail for generations of women,” adding that “Decades later, Burlington County residents are still impacted by her service.”
