Elena Emilia Costa

Elena Emilia Costa, known affectionately by her family as Milia, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, in Terrell, Texas, at the age of 96. She was the most devoted daughter, wife, mother, and friend anyone could ever ask for, leaving behind a legacy defined by fierce loyalty, courage, and boundless love.

Born on August 17, 1929, in Ponte Cafaro, Italy, to Rocco Melzani and Maria Zanetti Melzani, Elena's life was an extraordinary journey. At the young age of 15, she and a close girlfriend showed immense bravery by leaving Italy for Switzerland to find work. There, Elena worked as a nanny, lovingly taking care of two children. At age 20, she met her future husband, Francesco Costa.

Elena and Francesco built their early life together in Switzerland until 1961. In January of that year, Elena and Francesco arrived in Cleveland, Ohio, to pursue the American Dream. They spent 20 wonderful years in Cleveland before permanently settling down in Tomball, Texas. 

Elena’s life mission was to care for her family, and she was unconditional in everything she did. Elena was an amazing cook. No one ever left her table without being very full, which brought her joy. 

Although she was the heart of the home, Elena also embraced the great outdoors alongside Francesco. For many years, she looked forward to traveling to Canada every summer to go fishing and moose hunting. She found immense peace in nature. In her later years, she cherished the simple joy of watching the deer in her backyard, keeping a garden, and tending to her hummingbird feeders. 

Elena possessed an unbreakable spirit for her family. This devotion was profoundly evident over the last year of her life as she dedicated herself to caring for her daughter, Diana. Despite the challenges, Elena never gave up hope and was an inspiration to us all. 

Elena was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Francesco Costa; her daughter, Diana Perry; her parents, Rocco and Maria Melzani; her brothers, Pierro and Vincenzo Melzani; and her sisters, Tina Melzani Zryd and Franca Melzani. 

Her memory will be forever cherished by her surviving family: her sons, Guido Costa and his wife Bette, and David Costa and his wife Karen; her grandchildren, Brian and Daniel Costa, Katie Costa, and Jack and Ryan Perry; and her great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Brendan, and Sophia Costa.

She is also survived by her sisters, Rosie Melzani Gosatti and Mafalda Melzani Festa and her husband Quinto; and her brothers, Enrico Melzani and his wife Carla, and Luigi Melzani and his wife Sandra. Along with many nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her kind heart.