Rena Mae Costigan-Thompson

Rena Mae Costigan-Thompson passed away on 4/10/22 “leaving planet earth” on her final flight from Fraser, CO. After a diagnosis of incurable cancer, she wanted to go back home to Fraser for a “Shut the Trunk Farewell” surrounded by dearest of friends and family days before she passed. Rena was born in Trinidad, CO in May of 1948, the third daughter of Daniel and Rena Mae Costigan. A few years later the young family moved to Denver, expanding their clan with the addition of two more daughters.

Rena left the city life in 1972, the mountains calling her to a life full of partying, skiing, and making amazing, loving, beautiful, lifelong friendships. Over the years she ventured out of the mountains for diverse travels and adventures including tropical island living, scuba diving, Lake Powell houseboat voyages, lady’s wilderness trips, Japan, and Ireland, but her heart and home have always been in Grand County. Without fail Rena’s pockets were always filled with treats for the neighborhood dogs as they stopped by while she sat swinging in her whimsical yard surrounded by waterfalls, hummingbirds, chipmunks and clean mountain air.

Rena found her true love and life partner in Donny Thompson, the two eventually tying the knot after being escorted in the East Grand Fire Truck in June 2004. The kindhearted duo became an integral part of a close, nurturing, and devoted community.  

Rena worked hard and played hard in her 50 years in this mountainous community, touching so many lives along her journey. Rena could be counted on to share a hug and a laugh when she came from behind the Deli counter at Safeway. Working at the deli kept her connected to the community she loved and cherished. She will be missed beyond words. She loved well and was loved well in return.

Rena is preceded in death by her devoted husband Donny, sister Gerri Mattson, parents Daniel and Rena Mae Costigan, brother-in-law Larry Burke. She is survived by sisters, Kathy Burke, Alex St Elyse, Colleen Costigan and brother-in-law Richard Mattson. She was “Aunt Rena” to Mark Burke, Mike Burke, Kris Creager, Kimberly Simpson, Michael Simpson, Karlei Franks, Max Costigan and great nephew Camdyn Creager.

Sincere heartfelt thanks go to each one of the loving friends and family who cared for Rena over the years. She was affectionately blessed to have the support and generosity of her beloved community. Rena’s family is deeply touched and appreciative by the much-needed hugs, love and warm meals provided so graciously in her final weeks. The kindness and precious, unmatched support of the community that held our tender hearts so lovingly and graced the lives of Rena’s family... we are ineffably grateful.

Rena would be honored by contributions to the East Grand Volunteer Firefighters Fund and Grand County Search and Rescue in lieu of flowers.