Mary was born to Peter and Emma Freisen, on June 22, 1934, in Youngstown. Mary was raised by her mother, Emma, with her three older sisters, Joan, Arlene and Donna, during the Great Depression. Her father, Peter, passed away when she was only 14 months old.

Leaning on her faith in God and following the examples of tenacity, perseverance, fortitude and kindness instilled in her by her widowed mother, Mary provided an anchoring strength upon which she and John started a family and built a successful business. Together, they raised five beautiful children.

With sharp intelligence, teamwork and determination, Mary and John started a small plumbing shop, Komar Plumbing, in their home. With their partner, dearest friend and confidant, Jim Grantz, they built it into a thriving and successful business that continues to play an important role in the Mahoning Valley today.

Mary believed it was critical to help others in need. Her philanthropy was rooted in Matthew 6:3: “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” She was thoughtful and generous with her community and those in need. Her generosity was quiet, but impactful, the way she and John wanted it, and the example she set is carried forward in the same spirit and light by her children and grandchildren.

Mary served on the St. Elizabeth Auxiliary Board, was deeply involved in the founding and leadership of St. Joseph Parish, and was an active benefactor to both St. Vincent DePaul and Salvation Army, among others.

Mary took great pride in and truly enjoyed decorating her house to the nines for every holiday and season. She hosted Christmas parties so festive that Santa himself would pay a visit, delighting her grandchildren.

She was a patient and steadfast gardener, particularly fond of her pond and its very large koi. She was constantly looking for ways to make it more intricate and beautiful.

She always looked forward to browsing all the newest catalogs, trying to maintain her elegant style.

Mary enjoyed the company of many pets throughout her life. Whether beautiful, lanky and aloof Siamese cats, or beloved schnauzers and boxers, Mary doted on her four-legged family members.

Mary was incredibly proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to joke, indulge them (with candy jars, gifts and treats), and was always up for a card game — the “Skip Bo” cards within easy reach. With her quiet and fierce determination, The Queen encouraged everyone, most especially her grandchildren, to work hard, and supported them through their triumphs, challenges and losses.

Mary is survived by her children, Patty Vivalo (Jeff), Susan Komar, Carol Vadino (Rick), Kathy Anderson (Tom) and John Paul Komar; her grandchildren, John Vivalo (Julie), Katie Vivalo Rouse (Doug), Jacqui Drescher (Matt), Stephanie Freese (Bill), Lawrence Anderson (Mandy), Kristi Stambaugh (Chris), Carolyn Vadino (Earl), Richelle Short (Travis), Paul Brown (Laura), Diana Sustar (Chris), Curtis Anderson and Elise Anderson (Shawn); and her 17 great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Komar; her sisters, Joan Mulloy, Arlene Carney and Donna Zimmer; and her loving parents, Peter and Emma Freisen.

The Queen leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire us all and will forever be in our hearts.

Family and friends may call 9 to 10: 20 a.m. Monday, June 12, 2023, at St. Dominic Church, 77 E. Lucius Ave., Youngstown, OH 44507. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, celebrated by the Rev. Vincent De Lucia, O.P., and concelebrated by the Rev. Bernard Confer, O.P.

Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Salvation Army of Youngstown, P.O. Box 6144, Youngstown, OH 44501 (or on their website); or Crossroads Hospice, 1742 Georgetown Rd, Hudson, OH 44236.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox and Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Family and friends of Mary may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to leave condolences for the Komar family.

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