In Memoriam: Alicia Sillars Comesana-Vila

It is with deep sadness reverberating through so many Mohawkers that we report the death of Alicia Sillars Comesana-Vila on February 8, 2025, in Stamford, CT. Alicia died after years of valiantly fighting breast cancer. Alicia was nothing less than a warrior through these years. She kept the news of this battle amongst only a few Mohawk sisters until the most recent Alumni Weekend in 2023, which she attended with her two daughters, Emma and Chloe, both Mohawk alumni. (Both were campers; Emma (born in 1992) went on to be a CIT and counselor while Chloe (born in 1997) worked at her mom’s camp - see below).

Alicia and her family never lost hope; Alicia experienced multiple new protocols with a positive attitude that few of us could begin to match. Alicia was surrounded by her family and many friends and supporters at her death. Her Mohawk sisters were greatly honored by her daughters’ request at the very end that we send songs and thoughts of love to Alicia in whatever way we could. This we did, each in our own way.

It is virtually impossible to imagine Alicia without envisioning her constant smile and sheer beauty. This beauty grabbed you upon first sight yet there was a deeper beauty inside this amazing woman and all who knew her felt it. Alicia was a Mohawker through and through. She carried her love of camp (and summers) into adulthood by running Town Summer Camp in Darien, CT, where she was simply beloved. She ran this for at least 27 years. She put “fun into her work” to ensure that “kids enjoy life.” During the year, Alicia was the Youth Director of TOPS (Teen Option Programs). She ran dances and all sorts of activities for youth and, during COVID-19, Alicia served another population by coordinating drives for seniors including window-painting contests and all kinds of activities to keep people engaged during the isolation of the pandemic. Alicia received multiple awards over many years for her community work.

Alicia was born in Chicago, IL, on September 28, 1960, and at age five, moved to Darien, CT, where she would make her home for most of her life. She graduated from Darien High School and Boston College. She met her husband of 35 years while he was a chef and she was a waiter in a restaurant, the Black Goose Grill. Where was this restaurant? Darien, of course! For Alicia and George, it was love at first sight. Happily, George and their daughters are planning to travel together soon to explore Egypt and Greece.

Alicia was a camper, CIT, JC, Counselor, and Unit Leader at Mohawk. As her daughter, Chloe observed, “She climbed up the Mohawk ladder!” Alicia loved sailing and running activities on the waterfront. Mohawk led her to her life’s work. Many of her Mohawk sisters came to the fall Wellness Weekend where it was decided to celebrate Alicia’s birthday. We had a surprise party with a large cake designed as Camp Mohawk (campfires and pond included) for our beloved friend. Her determination to be at Camp was astounding. This would not have been possible without the amazing love and constant support of her daughters who accompanied her. Together, we all had campfires and sang camp songs. Of course, we told some (not to be repeated to just anyone) stories of days off and younger days while laughing nonstop. Alicia Sillars loved her family. She loved summer. She loved to have fun. She loved Mohawk and her Mohawk sisters. We loved and will always love her. Listen carefully, especially at Camp. Her laughter will live on.