ASTORIA – Costa Constantinides, who recently stepped down from the New York City Council, announced on April 19 that his wife, Lori, 47, passed away.

Constantinides posted on Twitter, “My wife Lori went home this morning after a long illness battling kidney failure and type 1 diabetes. I’m at a loss for words as I grieve her Ioss. Thank you to all the friends and family who have helped for many years care for our family. I love you babymoo. Niko and I love you.”

The family had suffered through a difficult year with both Constantinides and his wife battling through COVID last April. He noted that “it was a really scary time… a very scary moment in our home,” the Astoria Post reported, adding that “he had been hospitalized on three separate occasions while Lori spent 12 consecutive days in the hospital due to COVID-19 and required an oxygen mask to help her breathe.”

With her preexisting conditions, the fight was tough for Lori who had diabetes, was in need of a kidney transplant, and required dialysis, the Post reported.

Constantinides noted that the couple quarantined in his mother-in-law’s basement while they battled COVID, the Post reported, adding that “their son Nico, an only child, remained healthy throughout the ordeal.”

Messages offering condolences followed the sad announcement.

New York State Senator Michael Gianaris posted on Twitter that “few families have endured more hardship over the last year than Costa’s, and yet they continued to maintain their dignified manner through it all.”

New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes posted, “Costa, I’m so so sorry to hear this. May her memory be eternal. Sending you all the love and thoughts and prayers I can.”

Former New York State Assembly Member Aravella Simotas posted, “Lori was your angel on earth and now she is your angel in heaven. I send you and Nico my love.”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards also posted on Twitter, “sending you love and strength. May Lori rest in peace I’m here for you if you need anything brother.”

Messages of support were also sent by Constantinides’ former colleague on the City Council Jimmy Van Bramer and many members of the community.

The visitation will be held on Thursday, April 22, 4-9 PM, at Joseph Farenga and Sons Inc., 38-08 Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria, NY. The funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 43-19 30th Avenue in Astoria, Friday, April 23, 11 AM-12 PM, interment to follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery 72-02 Astoria Boulevard, East Elmhurst, NY.