Thisbe Comins, long time resident of the Andovers, died Sunday at Prescott Nursing Home. She was 93 years old.
She was the daughter of Vito Grieco, clothing designer and co-founder of Grieco Bros. Southwick Clothes in Lawrence, and of Florence Q. Grieco, avid gardener.
Born in New York City, Mrs. Comins graduated from Punchard High School in Andover, received an A.B. degree from Mount Holyoke College, and years later earned an M. Ed. Degree at Lesley College.
Mrs. Comins was a Special Education teacher and tutor for 22 years in the North Andover Public Schools. On retirement, she taught English as a Second Language to adults as a volunteer at the International Institute of Greater Lawrence, and also volunteered at the Greater Lawrence Guidance Center.
Mrs. Comins loved the arts, including literature and theater. She acted and directed plays for the former Adventurers Theater Group in Andover, and later formed a committee to present foreign films to the community in the former Punchard HS auditorium.
Mrs. Comins leaves her son Gary M. Comins of Methuen, her daughter, Claudia A. Comins of San Diego California, two grandchildren, three nephews, and several cousins. A third child, Jennifer, died in infancy. Thisbe had been married to Richard C. Comins also of Andover; divorced after a marriage of 48 years.
Private funeral services were held for family members in a small chapel. Her ashes were buried in the West Parish Church Cemetery, in Andover.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the public library in Andover, North Andover, or Lawrence. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.