Nancy Komow, 71, of Newton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, surrounded by her four children after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on March 10, 1955, in Newton, Massachusetts, Nancy was the beloved daughter of Margaret and James Burns. She grew up with her five siblings—Barbie, Carol, Kathy, Jimmy, and Steven. Together, they created countless cherished memories, spending endless hours with neighborhood friends in the family basement. Nancy often reminisced about her carefree childhood, which included playing basketball, sledding down the sand dunes on Cape Cod, and embracing the “hippie” lifestyle.
Nancy’s greatest accomplishment and source of pride was her family. She was widowed by her forever love, Tony Komow. She was a devoted mother to her four children, Jimmy, Melissa, Shannon, and Joe. She often said she was the “luckiest” person because of her four children and, later, her six beloved grandchildren. Her home was known for its open-door policy, where family, friends, and anyone in need of a meal, conversation, or laughter were always welcome. She truly embodied the motto: Live, Laugh, Love.
Nancy found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was a devoted Boston Celtics fan, enjoyed cooking meals for those she loved, spending time in her garden, listening to Jethro Tull, and hanging out with her lifelong friends. Above all else, nothing brought her greater happiness than being “Mimmie” to her six grandchildren: Ty, Chase, Camryn, Zachary, Olivia, and Teagan.
She treasured every moment spent with them—cheering them on at sporting events, playing silly games with them, gathering for family dinners, and creating lasting memories during the family’s annual weekends on Cape Cod. Those moments, surrounded by the people she loved most, were the highlights of her life.
Nancy will be remembered for her funny sense of humor, her determined and courageous spirit, unwavering love for her family and friends, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel at home. Her warmth, laughter, and strength touched countless lives, and the memories she created will be treasured forever.
Nancy is survived by her loving children, Jimmy and his fiancée, Wissam; Melissa and her husband, Bruce; Shannon and her wife, Jackie; and Joey and his wife, Jaclyn. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren; her beloved siblings; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends, all of whom will miss her deeply.
Though her family is heartbroken by her passing, they find comfort knowing her legacy of unconditional love, laughter, and togetherness will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.
All are welcome to join from visitation hours from 4:00–7:00 PM on Friday, July 31st at Magni Funeral Home (365 Watertown St, Newton, MA 02458 Newton, MA). Celebration of Life will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Jonah Finn Foundation. https://www.jonahfinnfoundation.org/