Greta Kost, 91, of Holliston, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 15, 2025. Born in Waco, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Bessie (Kantrovich) and Max Chodorow. She was the wife of 65 ½ years to the late Harold S. Kost.
Greta was part of a close-knit community in Waco. She met Harold at age 12 through her cousin. She began her college education at the University of Texas, where she enjoyed being part of her sorority, and ended at Baylor University. Greta was mindful of her Southern roots; she emphasized posture, table manners, and etiquette, but maintained a sharp wit and mischievous sense of humor.
Greta and Harold married in 1956 and spent the early years of their marriage living in El Paso, San Francisco, and Munich, Germany, where Harold was stationed with the Army. In 1964, they settled in Holliston, Massachusetts, where they made their home for over 60 years. They loved that their home sat at the edge of Houghton’s Pond, where they would sit on the back porch and watch the wildlife. She was an avid gardener and grew beautiful flowers and many vegetables in her gardens. She was an active member of the Holliston Garden Club for many years.
Greta worked as an early elementary school teacher before choosing to stay home and raise their children. Once they were grown, she returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher. She also held a variety of jobs throughout her life and valued her independence. She encouraged her daughters in their education and careers, always supporting their goals.
Greta was an avid crafter; she found joy in sewing, candle making, furniture refinishing, and braiding rugs, sharing these talents with her daughters. Her Jewish faith was a meaningful part of her life. She was a proud member of B’nai B’rith, a Jewish women’s organization.
Creating a warm and welcoming home was deeply important to Greta, influenced by her mother’s childhood in an orphanage. She was kind and loving and, most importantly, was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Greta and Harold were devoted to one another and cared for each other with great love. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her family finds comfort in knowing she has been reunited with the love of her life.
Greta is survived by three daughters, Linda Kost (Wylie Willson), Rhonda Kost (Alfred Spector), and Sharon Kost (Sam Koszer). She also leaves behind her brother, Hilton Chodorow (Barbara); her grandchildren, Emily, Asher and Benjamin Spector, and Joshua and Bryan Koszer; her nephews, Jordan Chodorow, Alan Kost; nieces, Piera Mieles, and Kathryn Kost; cousins, Martin Chodorow and wife, Maime Chodorow, and Stephen Chodorow and wife, Rowena.
Greta’s family is grateful to Golden Rule Home Care, especially John-Paul Plouffe, Elizabeth S. Mulbah, Alice Mae Wellington, and Christy Mytoff, for caring for their Mom with kindness in the last years of her life.
A graveside burial will be held privately at Framingham Natick Hebrew Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com
