Maribeth Ann “Sherry” Costa

Maribeth Ann “Sherry” (Santos) Costa, of Dennis, formerly of Provincetown, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother quietly passed away at home in the presence of her family. Sherry succumbed to complications of her 3 year valiant battle with cancer. She was 75 years old.

Born in 1939 to Annie (Meads) and Frank Santos, she became the youngest sister to Vivian, Mary, Jeanie, Nory, and Loretta. She grew up in Provincetown and was well known with many friends and family. In 1958 she married John Branch, an Air Force serviceman, moving to Germany in 1960 where they were stationed for six months. Upon her return to the states, she lived in Provincetown for a short period then moved to South Yarmouth to raise her 3 children, Valerie, Sheila, and Chris. A fourth child, infant Elizabeth, passed away in 1960.

In 1977 Sherry returned to Provincetown from California where she had operated a successful restaurant and beauty salon. Sherry became employed at the Cape End Manor and Dairyland Restaurant where she met her soul mate, Matthew J. Costa. Married in 1989, they worked together to operate The Meadows Motel, Dairyland, and the Provincetown Seafood Market. In 2002, Matthew passed away from complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Living in Provincetown became a painful reminder of her loss so she moved to Dennis where she lived out her remaining years.

Sherry enjoyed art, dancing, movies, and Portuguese cuisine. She was the essence of dignity and grace, and was an exceptional lady of character. Sherry touched so many people. She will be missed and thought of often by those who loved and respected her.

Sherry is survived by her children, Valerie (Gary) Johnson, Sheila (Mario F.) Ramalho, and John Christopher (Shannon) Branch; step-children, Kathleen (Robert) Girvetz, William C. (Diane) Costa, and James (Amy) Costa; grandchildren, Misty Johnson, Vanessa Ramalho, Mario Colin Ramalho, Trevor Branch, Taylor Branch, Graham Morris, Meaghan Rupert, and Keegan Morris; step-grandchildren, Tarazza Millard, Amy Toone, Steven Costa, Kerri Costa, Kelli Costa, and William M. Costa; great-grandchild, Isaiah Morris; step-great grandchildren, Jackson Toone, Bailey Toone, Daniel Barraso, Alexandra Barraso, and Devin Costa; sisters, Jeanie (Mylan) Costa, and Loretta (Anthony) Lema; brother-in-law, Donald Thomas; and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her sisters Vivian Souza, Mary Enos, and Lenora Thomas.

Services were held in the Monsignor Duarte Chapel in St Peters Cemetery, Jerome Smith Rd, Provincetown, on Saturday, September 26, 2015. Donations in her memory may be made to a charity of one’s own choosing.