MaryAnn C. Komst
November 18, 1938 ~ July 23, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Ann (Simonson) Komst, 87, who left this earth peacefully on July 23, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.
Mary Ann was born to Catherine (Werdann) and Howard Simonson on November 18, 1938, in Queens, New York. After spending her early years in Buffalo, her family settled in East Meadow, New York. She later made her home in Commack, New York, where she built a life centered on family, friendship, and service to others.
After graduation from Sacred Heart Academy High School, Mary Ann attended SUNY Oneonta, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. After raising her daughters, she dedicated over two decades to shaping young minds as a kindergarten teacher, the majority of those years spent at Wood Park Primary School in Commack. She had a remarkable gift for making every child feel welcomed, loved, and excited to learn. Generations of students fondly remember her classroom companion, Mr. Jiggs, who became a beloved mascot and a special part of her teaching legacy.
Outside the classroom, Mary Ann embraced life with enthusiasm and creativity. She loved crafting beautiful handmade creations; gathering with her cherished friends at Home Extension, prayer group, and games of bridge; preparing delicious meals and treats for family and friends; and traveling to visit her parents in Florida, making lasting memories with those she loved. She endlessly doted on her parents; her warmth, kindness, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Mary Ann was joined in marriage with her husband John, celebrating a union of almost 62 wonderful years. Together they built a loving family that was the pride and joy of her life. Along with her husband, Mary Ann is survived by daughters Catherine Alessandrini (Steve) and Christine Rudzinski (Rich), and her cherished grandchildren, Jonathan (Iniki), Mary Kate, Madison, Kaylee, and Ryan, each of whom brought her immeasurable happiness and pride.
Mary Ann’s greatest accomplishment was the loving family she nurtured and the countless lives she influenced through her compassion, patience, and generosity. Her legacy will live on in the lessons she taught, the traditions she created, and the love she shared so freely.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026 from 4-7pm at The Branch Funeral Home, 2115 Jericho Turnpike, Commack. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, July 27, 2026 at 10am at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church, 2 Indian Head Road, Commack. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 200 Burr Road, Commack. https://www.commackambulance.org/
The family would like to thank the ICU nurses at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, especially Brenna, Amy, Ryan and Jaime, and are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this difficult time. Mary Ann will be dearly missed and forever remembered by her family, friends, former students, and all whose lives she enriched.
Services
Visitation:
Sunday, July 26, 2026
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Branch Funeral Home of Commack
2115 Jericho Turnpike
Commack, NY 11725
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So sorry to learn of “Aunt” Mary Ann’s passing. She was a precious soul. She was part of my childhood at the Riso gatherings and was always loving and kind to her extended family. God’s peace and love surround her loved ones now.
With much love and condolences,
Cathy (Barnum)