State Senator Troy Singleton and the Burlington County Commissioners are mourning the passing of former New Jersey Senator, Assemblywoman and Freeholder Catherine Costa.

Costa, who resided in Willingboro and Mount Laurel, served on the Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1972 to 1983. She was the Board’s Director in 1975.

She served nine years in the New Jersey Legislature, first in the General Assembly from 1982 to 1983, and then the Senate from 1984 until 1991.

“Our board was heartbroken to learn of the passing of Catherine Costa. Not only was she the first women 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,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Cathy was always outspoken, and she never backed down or failed to stand up for Burlington County’s residents or communities. She was instrumental in the founding of the Willingboro Library. In fact, one of her first community services was collecting used books for the library’s collection. She cared deeply about Burlington County, and she will forever be remembered for inspiring new generations of women to lead and serve. Our hearts go out to her surviving family members, friends and colleagues.”

Senator Singleton noted that Costa was one of the first residents of Levittown, the planned community that was later renamed Willingboro. She was inspired to enter public service and government after seeing John F. Kennedy speak at the Willingboro Plaza in October 1960.

“Catherine Costa believed deeply in community and in public service. Her leadership in Willingboro, Burlington County and the New Jersey Legislature helped blaze a trail for generations of women,” said Senator Singleton. “Decades later, Burlington County residents are still impacted by her service.”

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