Virginia Dorothy Komando, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on September 19, 2021, after a brave four-year fight against pancreatic cancer. Born in Brooklyn, she never lost her New York attitude and gumption despite living in New Jersey, Florida and finally settling in Phoenix with her daughter. Virginia was a true world traveler. She visited 60 different countries on all seven continents. In the 1960s, Virginia earned her college degree in Computer Science that led to a long and successful career with AT&T and Bell Labs.
If you think that Zoom is new, Virginia worked on the early AT&T video phone conference room prototype, originally shown at the 1964 World’s Fair and marketed in the 1970s.
But Virginia’s true joy was her family. Richard, Christine, Kathleen and Kim can tell you countless stories of Mom doing what she did best — living life to the fullest and laughing as much as possible. She adored her seven grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Virginia was a devout Catholic and is no doubt asking Jesus for the “secret” Jack Daniels recipe to share while reuniting in heaven with her beloved husband, Dick, parents, brothers, sister and others who preceded her in death.
Virginia asked for this card to read at her eulogy, a quote she wrote about herself: “She stepped off a mountain top and on the way down, she learned to be a survivor and a mountain climber.” That she did.
In lieu of flowers, Virginia asked for donations to the church she loved, Mt. Claret. Choose Chapel Renovation Project from the drop-down list. https://mtclaret.org/donate. A Mass will be said for her at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell Avenue, Phoenix, on September 23, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. Virginia will be buried next to her husband at Calvary Cemetery, New York, New York.
Kip Kuroski
I am not family, but Virginia always made me feel like I was. I was blessed to spend some quality time with this very special woman several times over the last few years and was always impressed with her world knowledge and life experiences. She was as sharp as a tack and so much fun to be with. I will miss her, but I know she is with the Lord.
Jim Jones
My condolences for your loss. She lives on through the distinct and clear impact she made on so many souls.
Heather
I am so glad & fortunate to have been given the opportunity to take care of Ms Virginia, she was a blessing in my life. I loved her witty remarks & enjoyed watching Judge Judy + Sunday Mass with her. It was nice to learn how she touched so many lives & experienced so much traveling during her 82 year journey. She loved, loved her family! ♥️♥️ RIP
Julie Welling
Virginia was one of the nicest, kindest person I ever had the pleasure to work with. She will be missed! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Christine Cromer
It makes me sad that we’ll miss her here with us, part of our extended family. My Mom’s beloved cousin. Her & I even share the family name, Dorothy, as our middle name. The times I shared with her were few but what an impact they each made. I loved when we were penpals & making Where’s Waldo jokes about her whereabouts. We’ve had her in our prayers and I certainly picture a party up in heaven now that she’s there, along with joy at the thought of her someday greeting me again in a better place where we can all be together as a united family again. Wishing everyone comfort and condolences during this time. Sending lots of love and hugs, along with prayers for many blessings ahead. May we all make friends in this life to take to Heaven’s party.
Andy Whiteman
Sorry for your loss. My condolences to Kim and family.
Andy Whiteman