Obituary of Antoinette J. Koston
Antoinette Josephine Koston (Powell), age 72, passed away on April 23, 2021 at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, DE. Born to Charles and Cecilia (Ragan) Koston. She was a longtime resident of Wilmington, De. and previously resided in Chester Heights, PA for over 28 years. Antoinette was a remarkable nurse who embraced her patients and was passionate about their rights. She graduated from St. Francis Nursing School class of '69 and St. Hedwig High School Class of '66.
In addition to her parents, Antoinette is preceded in death by her brother Frank Krzanowski. She is survived by her children; Jennifer Powell, Stephanie Powell, Norman Powell IV, Bernadette Powell, her grandchildren; Samantha Carman (Thomas), Norman Powell V, Michael Powell, Lillian Redden, Benjamin Powell and great grandchild Norah Carman. She is also survived by her brother Charles Koston Jr. (Trudi), her sister in law, Carol Krzanowski, many nieces, nephews, Jimmy LeDoux (Patrick) and more "adopted children" than anyone could imagine.
She proudly grew up in St. Hedwig's Parish and her parents owned and operated Koston's Grocery Store for 32 years. She often reminisced about how wonderful it was to be raised during the 50s and 60s in downtown Wilmington where she had an incredible community of friends and family. She is known to her loved ones as the shy, quiet, Polish, Catholic girl who loved unconditionally, was a woman of service and one who was well versed in gratitude. Antoinette was a friend to many, counselor and confidant to more and most lovingly "Tonie", "Mom" or "Babci" to her closest loved ones. If she carried you in her heart, you knew it, you felt it and you were a changed person because of it. She loved to cook and often joked that her tombstone would state "…and she cooked well". She threw the best parties where you left full of her home cooked food, sides hurting from laughing so hard and a doggie bag of leftovers for the next day. Antoinette was SPECIAL and our best way to pay tribute to her is to be sure to pay it forward, mirror her amazing qualities and keep her memory alive. Be a friend, love unconditionally, be grateful, be of service and when you do, think of Antoinette and smile as she is surely watching over you.
The mass will remain private. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for May 1st from 12-4 pm in Newark, DE where attendance is by RSVP only due to current COVID environment and limited seating capacity. Please contact one of the following by Wednesday, April 28th to RSVP and receive additional details: Jennifer Powell (via email at JennPowell6@aol.com or by text at 610-392-1288) OR Bernadette Powell (via email at BernadettePowell.kca@gmail.com or by text at 302-750-7637).
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Association of Critical Care Nurses to support excellence in nursing. They fund and help members pursue specialized development through programs focused on health policy/advocacy, evidence-based practice, nurse leadership and more. To give, please visit https://www.aacn.org/give-aacn-a-gift and create an account. Select the free account (bottom option) to make a memorial donation. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com.
