Anna Maria Della Costa , beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Anna Maria was born on November 11, 1972, in Wauchula, FL. At the age of 2 her family moved to Colorado, where she spent her formative years. She graduated from Windsor High School and went on to earn a degree in journalism from the University of Montana. Her journalism career took her to several places in Florida, Alabama and to ESPN in Connecticut, where she met her husband, Tim, and started her family. In 2018 her family moved to Waxhaw, North Carolina, where she lived and worked until her passing.

Anna Maria was an award-winning journalist whose words informed, inspired, and connected people. She had a rare gift for storytelling, whether reporting breaking news, covering sports, or capturing humanity in everyday moments. Her work reflected her integrity, curiosity, and deep respect for truth.

At the center of Anna Maria’s life was her unwavering faith. It grounded her, guided her, and gave her strength, especially during life’s most difficult seasons. Her faith was not loud or performative, but steady and lived out daily through kindness, humility, perseverance, and love for others. It shaped how she faced adversity and how she showed up for the people she loved.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Anna Maria lived with passion and intention. She loved movement and strength — running, exercising, and challenging herself physically even when it wasn’t easy. She found joy in cooking, in discovering new recipes, and in sharing meals as an expression of love. She was an avid reader with an endless curiosity, equally drawn to crime documentaries and horror movies that offered thrilling escape.

Few things brought Anna Maria more happiness than college football Saturdays. She was a die-hard fan of the Miami Hurricanes, and watching college football was her favorite way to spend time, especially surrounded by family. On Sundays, her loyalty belonged to the Denver Broncos, a lifelong devotion that never wavered. Her favorite place on Earth was Disney World, where she took her family several times to vacation. If you go, remember her while at the “Haunted Mansion” and “It’s a Small World.”

Above all else, Anna Maria was a devoted mother to her son, Jaxson, her “Bubba.” Her love for Jaxson was fierce, protective, and unconditional. He was the center of her world and the greatest love of her life. She cherished every moment with Jaxson, finding joy in the everyday: his laughter, his questions, his accomplishments, and simply being together. Whether cheering him on, guiding him with patience and wisdom, bringing him on writing assignments, or just sitting side by side, Anna Maria poured her heart into motherhood.

She was also the love of her husband Tim’s life, his partner in every sense, and his steady presence through life’s joys and hardships. Together, Tim and Anna Maria built a family grounded in love, faith, and deep connection. Her love for her family was boundless, and her presence filled every room with warmth, humor, and sincerity.

Anna Maria is survived by her husband, Tim; her son, Jaxson; her parents, Anthony and Kathy Della Costa; her brother Tony Della Costa, sister-in-law, Stephanie Della Costa and niece Mackenzie Della Costa; her in-laws, Richard and Jacalyn Lemoine and sister-in-law, Jessica Lemoine; as well as a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and readers whose lives were better because of her.

Anna Maria’s voice, spirit, and love live on in her family, in her words, and in the faith that carried her home. A celebration of Anna Maria’s life will be held in the springtime at their home in North Carolina. You can contact Tim at 860.796.3137 and he will provide details as they are finalized. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that her memory be honored by living actively, staying curious, loving fiercely, and walking in faith. Keep her in your memory the next time you take a walk, burn a candle, read a book, plan a meal, watch a college football game, or plant a garden, as these are all of Anna Maria’s favorite hobbies.

Holland Funeral Service is serving the Della Costa family.