Paige Costley Obituary (1994 - 2015)

Obituary for Paige Taylor Costley Paige Taylor Costley passed away in the comfort of her home, in the circle of her mother’s love and tender care; in Orem, Utah after a courageous battle with leukemia on Wednesday, October 14, 2015. She was 21 years old, and she lived each and every day of those 21 years to the fullest. “Rage for Paige” was a fitting mantra. Paige was born on August 26,1994 in Gallup, New Mexico as the youngest of four children. She is survived by: Parents: Casey Sullivan of Orem, Utah Todd & Christy Costley of Gallup, New Mexico Siblings: Craig Costley of Thornton, Colorado Brooke Costley Corbett of Arvada, Colorado Step Siblings: Brooke Torres of Albuquerque, New Mexico Sean Torres of Gallup, New Mexico Justin Torres of Gallup, New Mexico Grandparents: Gilbert & Bernadine Sullivan of Bountiful, Utah Connie Costley of Mesa, Arizona Great Grandmother: Georgia Abrames of Grand Junction, Colorado Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins Paige was preceded in death by her brother, Scott Michael Costley, and her grandfather, Mike Costley. The baby of the family, Paige was a sweet and snuggly girl who loved her thumb and her blanky. Her older brothers, Craig and Scott, and sister Brooke adored her. Paige loved to spend time outdoors with her dad and siblings and to cuddle on her mommy’s lap. Paige was a fashion diva from a young age. She loved all things glitter, leopard print, feather boas, high heels and makeup; all by the age of 5! The girl could accessorize! Bratz Dolls and Barbie had nothing on Paige! But then, just like that, she would go outside and join her big brothers and sister in muddy escapades. Paige lived for fast, furious adventures -- four wheeling , watching her dad and brothers race motor cross, roller coasters, rock concerts…. you name it, she did it…and all in full fashion! The past couple of years, Paige embraced her Bohemian style – fitting for all of the beautiful scarves she donned once she lost her hair due to chemotherapy treatments. Paige was an amazing artist, whether it was with pen and pencil or with eyeliner and eye shadow. She was creative in a way that amazed and inspired. After she was diagnosed with leukemia, she developed a passion for crystals and their healing powers. She wrapped crystals for necklaces and charms, and honed her entrepreneurial spirit by selling them. Many of her friends and family, as well as nurses and hospital aides, now proudly wear their crystal jewelry uniquely created by Paige. Nature and the outdoors appealed to Paige, and she often enjoyed hiking in the beautiful mountains and canyons near her home. Even when she was too fatigued to hike, Paige would be content with a drive through the mountains with her family or friends. Recently, she drove the Alpine Loop and visited Cascade Springs with her mom and sister Brooke, and basked in the beauty of the changing fall leaves. On another recent trek in the mountains with her brother Craig and step sister, Brooke Torres, Craig lovingly carried Paige down the trail when she was too tired to continue on her own. She loved spending time in Gallup, NM with her father, brother, step sister and other family members. She often spoke on the phone with her father; whether it be just a friendly chat, getting advise to help with life’s struggles, or to ask for money. Paige attended schools in Gallup, New Mexico; Parker, Colorado; and Orem, Utah. She pursued her passion and enrolled in Cosmetology School just a few months before she was initially diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in April 2014. Paige endured treatments like a champ, and despite extended hospital stays and painful bone marrow biopsies, she enjoyed life’s pleasures – big and small. Her family and friends cheered her on and fought alongside her throughout her illness. Her beloved dog Skye remained faithfully by her side. In the most difficult circumstances, Paige fought long and hard, showing strength beyond her own capacity. When the news came that the aggressive leukemia had come back — even after receiving two bone marrow transplants, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, and flat out “battling like a demon to be cured” (as one of her favorite doctors, Dr. Asch, said) — Paige didn’t pause for a beat. Along with her family and friends she filled every day with important things and didn’t worry about the rest. Her bucket list items were checked off rapidly. Paige bought a car and rode "Cannibal" at Lagoon (amusement park in Utah), rocked out at a Five Finger Death Punch concert, and traveled to Colorado with her sister Brooke to spend a week together along with her brother Craig. While there, Paige was able to visit with friends and go to Elitch's Amusement Park – one of her favorite stomping grounds while she lived in Colorado as a teenager. Paige also traveled to Gallup, NM with her mom and aunts – a whirlwind weekend trip to get the best ever Mexican food and to eat at her favorite restaurant, Rocket Café, where she always ordered baked rigatoni (she never found any that compared to the Rocket's). Paige spent time with her dad and step mother, her step sister Brooke Torres, and other family and friends. Paige enjoyed a final off-roading trip in her dad’s green jeep (she loved that jeep!). An important part of that trip was being able to visit her brother Scott’s grave site. Paige’s passion and zest for life remained steadfast even as her mortal body began to fail her. With her family and friends, Paige recently participated in the “Light the Night Walk” to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Despite her weak body she got out of her wheelchair and finished the walk herself! Even in the last days of her life, she yearned for the pleasure of being with her family and friends. She went to the movie theater, hung out with her close friends, and held her mother’s hand as they watched her favorite movie; “Nightmare Before Christmas” in her final hours. Paige loved and lived fiercely. And because of that, she touched many people; those who knew her well and those she had just met. Paige was quick to forgive, tender-hearted and gave freely to those she knew and even to strangers who may have needed a helping hand. Paige was beautiful inside and out. She had a captivating smile, a free spirit, and was full of life. A perfect description of Paige came from her loving friend, Whitney, who said, “She’s smart, talented, passionate, and boy is she sassy!” Paige loved her family. She was a loyal friend. And her family and friends loved her. As her close friend, Ciera said, “If Paige could have been healed by our love, she would have been with us forever.” And yet, we know that she will be with us forever; families are eternal. Paige is reunited with her brother and grandfather, and we find comfort in knowing they are together again. Paige may be gone, but she did not lose the fight. She is courageous and victorious and now she can rest … until we meet again, baby girl. Paige’s family would like to thank the professional and caring staff, nurses, and doctors at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah as well as those at Utah Valley IV Infusion Center in Provo, Utah for the tender and loving care they gave to Paige – both during her extended inpatient stays as well as numerous outpatient treatments. Paige developed close and loving friendships with many of those individuals, and we are grateful to them. In lieu of flowers, Paige’s family requests that you consider making a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org) or even become a bone marrow donor yourself (www.bethematch.org). Paige required many blood transfusions during her illness and her family encourages everyone who is able to donate blood. A Memorial Service to honor Paige and celebrate her life will be held at Nelson Family Mortuary, 4780 N. University Ave, Provo, Utah on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 11:00 am. A Greeting Time will begin at 10:00 am. 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