Mary Elizabeth Whitcomb

Mary Elizabeth (Napier) Whitcomb, a loving mother to five children, eleven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026, at the age of 87. Mary was born on Staten Island and was raised in Hartsdale, New York by her parents, Virginia and Alexander Napier. She is succeeded in life by her brother, Harvey Napier, 90, of New York City (Manhattan).

Mary moved to Ohio after high school to attend Wooster College and later transferred to The Ohio State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education and, later, returned to earn her master’s degree.

Mary was married to Dr. Michael Whitcomb (now of Scottsdale, Arizona) for 24 years, with whom she raised their five children, Linda (Julie), Kimberly (Thad), Michael (Danielle), and Gregory (Kim) (of Columbus) and David (Brooks) (of Oxford, Mississippi). The family lived in Cincinnati, San Antonio, Washington, D.C., Honolulu, and Boston before returning to Columbus in 1977 where Mary lived for the rest of her life.

Mary was a special education teacher who taught at Grandview Heights High School and Upper Arlington High School, before moving to Westerville North High School where she retired in 2004. Mary found great pleasure in working with students with learning disabilities and helping them to succeed in life.

In retirement, Mary was active in the Assistance League of Metro Columbus, and she enjoyed traveling the world with her friends. Though nothing brought Mary more pleasure than hosting family gatherings for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and attending the school events, games, and competitions of her many grandchildren. A kind and loving soul, Mary always showed up to visit or babysit bearing small gifts for her children and grandchildren.

A service honoring Mary’s life will be held on October 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary’s name to Colony Cats (at colonycats.org) or the Assistance League of Metro Columbus (at alcolumbus.org) or any other charity of their choice.