Teresa Mary Komar

Teresa, AKA Terry or Teda Komar, 95, departed from Titusville, September 16, 2020, on her most amazing journey. Terry was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Warren Slade Camp and Theresa Madeline (Christmann) Camp in 1925. Active and athletic, she LOVED the outdoors, often running to her favorite childhood place, Lincoln Park, on the shores of Lake Michigan. It was her haven during the depression years. Once, while swimming in Lake Michigan, her cousin hit her head. Mom dove in, and saved her life. Years later, her swimming prowess helped her win the YMCA Christmas tree swim competition, 5 years in a row, and lengthen her life. She swam laps well into her 90’s.

Terry was extraordinarily creative, LOVED to sketch and write, and aspired to be an artist and writer. When she was only 17, her father died suddenly, and she had to work to help support her mother and two younger siblings. With her strong will, she persevered, never giving up on her dream. In the day, she worked as an administrative secretary. In the evenings, she studied drawing, painting and fashion design at the Art Institute of Chicago, and creative writing at Northwestern University.

After marrying, and while raising three children, Terry squeezed in time to draw, paint, and write – often in the wee hours of the morning – in her Mt. Prospect, IL, home. She became an accomplished artist, designer, and seamstress, and continued writing. She co-founded the Mt. Prospect Art League. She designed and made the bridesmaids dresses for her best friend’s wedding, the costumes for her children’s dance recitals, musical productions, and Halloween activities, and the slipcovers for the home’s furniture. She helped write, and created artwork for her son’s St. Viator High School newsletter, and painted, sketched, and sculpted numerous pieces of art for family and friends. Her love of music and dance blossomed as she hosted legendary family Friday night dance parties. The lively spirit she created inspired all whose lives she touched.  

Terry LOVED to travel. After retiring, she packed her car to the gills, and often drove coast-to-coast, visiting family, and making new friends. She achieved one goal – travelling to all 50 U.S. states - when in 2015, she reached Alaska. Another highlight was her 1990, 4-month adventure to Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and Hawaii. She planned and implemented all the trips herself, and even extended them when joined by family. Our 3-month camping trip to the Western U.S. National Parks became laughingly known as the “Are we ever going home?” trip.    

Terry was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom she credits with saving her daughter, Anne’s life. When she was carrying Anne, doctors could not detect a heartbeat. Terry prayed to Mary. Anne was born very much alive! She was also devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and kept her favorite picture of “Handsome Jesus” near her bedside.  

Terry’s lessons to her beloved children include don’t give up on your dreams – ever; do as the old song says, “Accentuate the Positive;” quoting Shakespeare, “To thine own self be true;” and, always, get outside back to nature, and Pray.  

God gave us life. Jesus saved our lives. Terry showed us HOW to live.  

She is survived by her children, Richard Komar, Anne (Ron) Brandys, Veronica Komar; grand Godchildren, Katja, Christopher, and Andrew Creswick; and grandchildren, Kristopher and Katie Komar, and many friends of her church family.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, October 9, 11 am, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mims, FL.

Memorial masses appreciated. In lieu of flowers, please plant a seed – of a relationship, a flower or tree. Nurture it and help it to grow. Most importantly, as she requested in early 2020, “Give me (or someone) a Hug!”

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.