DALLAS — Dallas fashion and retail trailblazer Terry Costa has died.
Mary Therese “Terry” Tschumy Costa Weathers passed away peacefully on Dec. 9, 2024, at 86.
Costa was best known for founding the store that shares her name, which she started in 1986. Costa's life was dedicated to women's fashion. That dedication resulted in her stores becoming an institution and one of the largest dress store chains in Texas.
Terry Costa stores are known for selling dresses to women for formative moments, from prom to wedding days.
Costa sold the store in 2007 to her chosen successor, Tina Loyd, and worked at the store part-time until 2009 to offer guidance and support.
Throughout her career, Costa made numerous appearances on television, including WFAA’s Good Morning Texas, where she educated audiences on the latest fashion and bridal trends. She also dedicated time to charities like Les Femmes Du Monde and The Susan B. Komen Foundation.
The family asks that donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, The Solve M.E. Initiative or the Dallas Museum of Art in lieu of flowers.
