Mary Josephine Comardo, beloved mother of Jennifer Zak Tice, Leslie (Zak) Lawson, Tyler Michael Reigle passed away on October 19th. Her family included Chris Tice, husband of Jennifer, and their children Preston and Emma Tice of Duxbury, MA; Leslie’s children, Hannah, Andy, and Zoe. Mary Jo grew up in NC. As her father was a mechanic in the Navy and fought in two wars, the family often lived with her mother’s parents in North Carolina. Mary Jo fondly remembered her time in Nags Head, where she and her siblings would gather shellfish and play in the ocean.

After moving to Cuylerville, NY, in high school, home to her father’s parents, Mary was a member of the Rochester bands The Here Below and Jacob’s Downtown Trolly in the 60s and 70s. She was a talented singer, piano player, and songwriter. She excelled at all her jobs over the years, which included restaurant manager, M&M Mars rep, and finally, support for the Supreme Court of New York State, where she worked for over 20 years and retired.

A single mom, she bought her own home and had a flair for gardening and decorating. Everyone who knew Mary Jo would say she was tenacious, resilient, and fun, and loved her children fiercely. She reveled in a good ghost story, dancing like no one was watching, and could cook and bake – always adding her twist or special touch.

She watches over us now with her parents, Maisie and Felix Comardo of Cuylerville, NY, and sister, Leslie Comardo. She is survived by her siblings, Paul Comardo of NC and Peg Stroud of East Rochester, NY. The family also wants to recognize her best friend of 40 years, Leslie Rae Gates, of Albion, NY, who was so helpful to both them and Mary in her final year. Mary Jo will be missed and always loved.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Rochester’s Strong Memorial Hospital Palliative Care Unit is appreciated.