Frances Ceraulo Comer, a Chicago native and longtime philanthropist, died Dec. 4. at the age of 85.
Mrs. Comer was the daughter of Sicilian immigrants and was planning a family trip to Italy when she passed. Growing up in Chicago and attending Elgin Academy, Mrs. Comer always held an affinity toward the city. She met her late husband, Gary Comer, when she was working in the city, and soon after, the two married in 1962.
The Comers built up Lands’ End, which grew into a successful boat equipment and apparel company. Once the business went public in 1986, the pair made it a mission to invest in the city they both grew up in, sharing a desire to pour time, energy and money into philanthropic efforts in Chicago, according to the Comer Family Foundation, which they founded also in 1986. The foundation’s multifaceted mission prioritizes investing in the environment, health and education in Chicago.
They homed in on the South Side, where Mr. Comer grew up, to revitalize the neighborhoods in the area — he attended Paul Revere Elementary School and Hyde Park High School. Built in 2006, the Gary Comer Youth Center in Greater Grand Crossing continues to offer enrichment programs, academic support and a safe space for students to go after school. Recognizing disparities in health care, the Comers funded the creation of Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago.
Though Mrs. Comer’s husband died of prostate cancer in 2006 at 78, she continued the family’s philanthropic legacy by establishing Gary Comer College Prep and contributing to funding the Grand Crossing branch of the Chicago Public Library.
Deeply integrated in myriad aspects of Chicago, Mrs. Comer generously supported the Art Institute and called Mayor Richard M. Daley and his late wife, Maggie Daley, friends. She and her husband's donations also contributed to the founding of Millennium Park.
Mrs. Comer volunteered with Mother Teresa at her orphanage in India and made numerous other trips to Asia. The Comers also enjoyed time at their summer home on Mount Desert Island in Maine.
The family is holding a private service for Mrs. Comer and asks that contributions in her memory be made to the Gary Comer Youth Center.
