Passed away in her home in Presto, Pennsylvania on February 13, 2023 from complications related to pancreatic cancer.

She was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania on February 27, 1963 to Sherwood W. and Irene D. (Mohr) Green. The youngest of six children, she enjoyed a wonderful childhood, with a loving and supportive family. Renee treasured her family and abundant friends and colleagues whose dedicated support grew with time and was indispensable as her condition worsened. She wants them all to know how much their continued kindness and sacrifice meant to her, especially as her independence became limited. Her husband, John Tokarczyk, was a constant stronghold who greatly aided in her heroic fight.

She is survived by her husband, John Tokarczyk, her sons Kevin (Alyssa) Costenbader and Daniel (Sara) Costenbader, 5 siblings, Woody (Robyn) Green, Sharon (Michael) Steigerwalt, Amy (Jeff) Sander, Leanne (Mike) Samok, and Donna (Phil) McGarry, as well as two step-daughters, Emily Tokarczyk and Sarah (Chris) Misir, and five step-grandchildren. Renee was also blessed with 5 nieces and 2 nephews and their children who she adored and loved. She was preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, David Costenbader, her mother Irene Green and step-daughter Jillian Tokarczyk.

Renee married her high school sweetheart, David Costenbader, who died too soon. Renee and Dave built a strong life foundation for their boys, Kevin and Dan, who were endless sources of pride. While raising her family brought joy and was life’s ultimate gift, Renee was passionate about her work as a Nurse, performing in multiple roles including bedside nurse, Chief Nursing Officer and Regional Director of Quality. Renee graduated from Bloomsburg University with a BSN in Nursing and later earned an MSN from Thomas Jefferson University. Positions and opportunities allowed for consulting, speaking, and work assignments at a national level. She loved to cultivate relationships and motivate both nurses and non-nurses to elevate the Nursing Profession. She was particularly enthusiastic about rehabilitation nursing and was certified as a Rehab Nurse for 25 years and recently became certified in Rehabilitation Management. Her work settings included Lehigh Valley Hospital (shout-out to Maggie Kernan and the irreplaceable 68 team), Good Shephard Rehab Hospital, Select Medical in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Christus Health in Corpus Christi, Texas and most recently Kindred Healthcare, Inc out of Louisville, Kentucky. Renee was blessed with friendships and memories that were developed as she watched nursing and healthcare evolve over her 38-year career.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the SZAFRANSKI-EBERLEIN FUNERAL HOME, INC. A church service of celebration of life with be held at Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Trachsville, Pennsylvania - 500 Church Road, Palmerton, PA on Monday, February 20, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a calling at the church, followed by a service at 10:30a.m. She will be laid to rest alongside David at Jerusalem Lutheran Cemetery.

Renee will also be honored at the All Saints Polish National Catholic Church in Carnegie, Pennsylvania with a mass announced at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Renee's name to the Wingman Foundation. Their mission is to provide assistance to service members and their families in the aftermath of a military aviation mishap: https://www.wingmanfoundation.org/

www.szafranski-eberleinfuneralhome.com (412)276-1107