Elizabeth J. Dacosta

NEWPORT, RI ? Elizabeth Pepper DaCosta, 78, of 91/2 Sylvan Street, Newport, RI, died Thursday, July 14, 2005, at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. She was the wife of the late Martin H. DaCosta. Born in Providence, RI on November 7, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Edward C. and Agnes Ryan Pepper. Mrs. DaCosta was born and educated in Providence, Rhode Island. Mrs. DaCosta was a graduate of Pembroke College, Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. She also did graduate work in New York City with type designers Arnold Bank, Howard Trafton and Freeman Craw. She was the Art Director of Gourmet Magazine from 1956 to 1963. She was married to Martin DaCosta of Philidelphia, a sculptor and painter. Mr. DaCosta now deceased was a verteran of WWII, and his work is part of permanent collections in Philidelphia, New York and the West Coast. Mrs. DaCosta was the founder, publisher and editor of the Witches Almanac, established in 1971 and still published annually. She was the author of many occult titles, including Magical and Mystical Sites Harper Row, A Book of Days Capra Press, and numerous publications issued by The Witches Almanac Ltd. Mrs. DaCosta had no children and during her protracted illness was cared for by a coterie of loving and devoted friends.Her services will be private.