Coleen Sue Costin

Coleen Sue Costin, 58, passed into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on Saturday, July 12th, 2025, after bravely battling Alzheimer’s for several years.  Coleen was born in Helena to Jerry and Martina “Cookie” Albus on January 26th, 1967.  The family moved to Saco in 1973.  Coleen graduated from Saco High School in 1985 and attended Northern Montana College where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education.

Coleen married David Costin on July 30th, 1988. Their first date was in 1980.  After two years of their teaching in Colstrip, David and Coleen moved back to the family ranch where they started raising their family. Coleen was a stay-at-home mom while the boys were young. She went on to work as a music teacher at Saco Schools, Family Support Coordinator at Malta Head Start, and teach Business and Keyboarding at Malta Schools.

Coleen was an avid reader and always had a book at hand.  She loved photography and particularly enjoyed taking pictures at the boys basketball games.  Music was also a passion of hers, playing the piano, listening to Tom Petty, and watching her kids play in band.  Coleen was a crazy cat lady and would have taken every stray home if she could have. She came to realize that five house cats were enough. Her cat, Lucy, was curled up beside Coleen in her final days and only left her side after she had passed away. Lambs were a close second to her love of cats.  She took over lambing when she was at home and quickly became CEO of the sheep operation.  Watching her boys grow and excel in their endeavors brought Coleen much joy.  Although he only lived twenty-four hours, Spencer, David and Coleen’s first son, was never forgotten by her and always carried a special place in her heart.

Coleen is survived by her husband of 37 years, David, and children Jeremy, Nate, and Benjamin.  Her mother Martina Tafolla, sister Liane Albus, brother Aaron (Kirsten) Albus and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her sons, Spencer and Landon, and father Jerry Albus.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Malta, Thursday, July 24th at 2:00pm at Wilderness Funeral Home with a reception following the service at the Malta High School cafeteria.

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