Dolores Costello Elder

Dolores Costello Elder, 92, of La Plata, Maryland, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 7, 1932 in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late Wilfrid F. Costello and Frances Lee Costello (nee Clatterbuck). On August 4, 1951, Dolores Costello of Bryantown, Maryland married Anthony Dutton Elder at St. Mary's Church. They made their home in La Plata in 1954 and became members of Sacred Heart Parish. In addition to her parents, Dolores was preceded in death by her husband Dutton. Dolores was a devoted mother to three children. She is survived by her son Stephen Elder (Janice), Elaine Welsh (Wayne), and John Elder (Christine); grandchildren, David Elder (Shannon), Jennifer Elder (Frank Gore), Melanie Brown (Kevin), Kristin Arends (Devin), John Elder, Jr. (Melissa), and Irene Cox (Ricky); great-grandchildren, Tyler Benton, Riley Elder, Nicole Elder, Jacob Elder, Jackson Heise, Brayden, Blair, Luke and Wyatt Arends, Erin and Sydney Brown, Natalie, Brady, and Joey Elder, Cameron and Kelsey Cox. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Goldsmith of Hughesville, Maryland. Dolores led a full and meaningful life, characterized by a deep sense of family, faith and community. The foundation for her devotion to these was instilled at a very young age when our country entered World War II. At the age of nine, her father and uncles were called off to war. A few short years later, another uncle was tragically killed. She had to grow up fast to single-handedly work the farm. Her story of determination and perseverance got the attention of not only Ripley’s Believe It or Not but the Allis-Chalmer Manufacturing Company as well. Professionally, Dolores held various positions over her long career. Early on she was a bookkeeper at Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. She later served as a Justice of the Peace in the State’s Attorney’s Office and secretary in the Charles County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriffs Cooksey, Monroe and Garner. She also worked in the liaison’s office of the United States Navy in Indian Head and was very proud of being awarded one of the units first Outstanding Performance Award. She ended her career as a long-term substitute in the Charles County School System utilizing a bachelor’s degree, she earned from St. Mary’s College at the age 58. In her Church she taught confirmation classes, served as liturgist and was an active member of the Ladies Sodality at her Parish - Sacred Heart. For the community she performed volunteer work for the American Red Cross and Hospice when Hospice was first established in this area. In her personal life, she enjoyed gardening, nature and animals. One of the things she cherished most was spending time with her family, who brought her immense happiness and pride. Dolores will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. Her legacy of love, faith and service to others will continue to inspire those who carry her memory. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 5 PM to 8 PM with Prayer Service at 7 PM at Raymond’s Funeral Service Chapel, 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646. A funeral service will be on Friday, May 23, 2025 beginning with the eulogy at 9:45 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646. Pallbearers are David Elder, Riley Elder, Jacob Elder, Jackson Heise, Devin Arends and Donald Goldsmith, Jr. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of the Chesapeake 90 Ritchie Highway Pasadena, MD 21122 or hospicechesapeake.org in Dolores' name.

Dolores Costello Elder

August 7, 1932 - May 13, 2025