Lisabeth Comm — a beloved and innovative educator who impacted thousands of Westport students, and was also a world traveler and arts aficionado — died Friday in Florida, from complications of Alzheimer’s. She was 76 years old.
The Ohio native loved her role as an educator, in all forms.
She was a highly respected English teacher and department chair at Staples High School. Her leadership and vision changed the lives of countless students and colleagues.
Lis Comm
Over her 44-year career in Westport, Lis inspired generations of students with her passion for literature, and her commitment to expanding their horizons through a wide array of English courses.
She was particularly proud of 2 she designed: Mythology and Bible, and Women in Literature.
She was an early advocate of integrating literature from diverse cultures, including Native American, Asian, Black and Latin American — into the traditional English curriculum.
Lis was also instrumental in introducing feminist literary criticism to the Staples English Department.
Lis Comm and her husband, Math Department chair Frank Corbo, promoted reading for pleasure at Staples. The book they chose was, appropriately, “Romeo & Juliet.”
Her love for education extended beyond the classroom. After retirement Lis volunteered as a docent at the Baker Museum in Naples, Florida, where she shared her passion for art and culture with visitors. Her warmth, knowledge and enthusiasm enriched the lives of many.
Lis is survived by her husband Frank Corbo, former head of the Staples math department, with whom she shared 38 wonderful years. Together, they visited all 7 continents, including a final trip a year ago to Norway.
Lis Comm, on one of her many journeys.
Frank calls Lis “the most incredible, beautiful, brilliant partner anyone could have. I’m an extremely lucky man.”
Lis is also survived by her sisters Julie Kireta and Clare Comm, and brother James Comm.
A celebration of Lis’s life will be held in Westport at a time and place to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Lis Comm