Bánu Hassan KomLosy

Bánu was brought into this world during an early morning thunderstorm, she was the middle daughter of Priscilla Hall Hassan (March 5, 1897 – October 18, 1958, aged 61) and Hasham Ján Hassan (July 4, 1885 – August 9, 1958, aged 73).

Priscilla Hall’s family arrived in Chicago by wagon train, became well-established, and were members of the High Episcopalian Church. Hasham Ján Hassan, a follower of the Muslim faith, came from Persia (modern-day Iran) and immigrated to the United States through Chicago. Their love story began at an informational meeting about the Bahá'í Faith, marking the start of their shared journey toward becoming devout members of the Faith. Bánu described her parents as a "happy and joyous couple," "one soul in two bodies."

Bánu grew up in Beverly Hills, IL, with an older sister, Zahra, and a younger brother, Charles for a short while. The family later moved to Wilmette, IL, where her parents played a key role in helping to build the Bahá'í House of Worship for North America, which opened its doors in 1953. Bánu and her siblings were raised as lifelong members of the Bahá'í Faith.

Bánu deeply loved her parents, both of whom had adventurous spirits. Before meeting Ján, her mother, Priscilla, traveled to Africa on a safari with Carl Akeley, known as the Father of Modern Taxidermy. Akeley created some of the most famous dioramas for the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago and the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Bánu’s father, Ján, shared stories of his life in Iran, including his harrowing journey to escape persecution and his eventual arrival in America. Throughout Bánu’s childhood, her family home was filled with people from diverse backgrounds and countries, as her parents welcomed those interested in the Bahá'í Faith. This nurturing environment sparked her sense of wonder about the world and her deep love for people from a very young age.

Bánu’s adventures began in her late twenties when she and her dear friend, Margy Roberts, traveled to the Kingdom of Laos as pioneers of the Faith and founded a school to teach English. Over the next seven years, Bánu dedicated herself to teaching English, exploring new countries, immersing herself in diverse cultures, trying new foods, learning different languages, and forming lifelong friendships—all while sharing the principles of the Baha'i Faith. While living in Southeast Asia, Bánu occasionally traveled back to the United States by steamship to obtain books and teaching materials for her school. During one such voyage, she met James Stacy Bailey KomLosy, from Chebeague Island, Maine, on Pier 39 in San Francisco, marking the beginning of their love story. Bánu and James married in 1963, their eldest daughter, Jami Kim, was born in 1964, their son, Jonathan Fredrick, followed in 1967, and their youngest daughter, Stacyann Brewster, was born in 1971.

Bánu loved raising her children on Chebeague Island, affectionately referring to it as “baby farming.” She fully immersed herself in the island community by volunteering, organizing events, entertaining, and building lifelong friendships. She shared stories with her children about her parents, her time in Laos, and her many adventures. An incredible cook, Bánu prepared Persian cuisine taught by her father and Asian-inspired dishes she had learned overseas. Breaking bread with family and friends brought her immense joy. Music was another of her great loves—classical music often played while she cooked, and she could frequently be heard singing along. Bánu was playful, creative, and funny. She loved performing on stage and singing with the Whalers, the island’s vocal group. Her sense of adventure and wonder never wavered. Once her children had left the nest, it was her turn to spread her wings.

The opportunity to pioneer and teach English around the globe brought Bánu to many new and familiar places. In the late 1990s, she and her beloved friend Jackie Oswald traveled twice to Guilin, China, staying for several months on each trip. Other destinations with extended stays included Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, India, the Fijian Islands, Australia, and several European countries. One of her favorite memories is when her son, Jonathan, joined her in 1997 while she traveled back to the Kingdom of Laos after being away for over 50 years. Bánu made countless friends around the world, sharing her love for her Faith and all of humanity. One of her favorite Bahá'í quotes, “Ye are the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch,” reflected her deep belief in the unity of mankind. Her "angel," Kathy Gray, remarked, “Just remember, your mom was a person who, once she crossed your path, you remembered her forever! At 97 years old, there were a lot of pathways crossed!”

Bánu is predeceased by her parents, her sister, Zahra (Hassan) Lapp and brother, Charles Hassan and his daughter, Kimberly Hassan. Sister/brother-in-laws, Richard & Anne (KomLosy) Thurlow, Floyd & Martha (KomLosy) Hamilton, Captain Fredrick & Anna KomLosy and their son, Fredrick KomLosy. Bánu is survived by her former husband, James Stacy Bailey KomLosy, 90, of Chebeague Island, ME, and Lynn Haven, FL; her sister-in-law, Lou Helen Hassan; her daughter, Valerie, and son, Steven, and his family. She is also survived by her nephew, Michael Lapp, and his wife, Lisa, along with their children, Rebecca and Mathew; her nephew and his wife, Michael and Denise Hamilton, and their son, Lucas; and her niece, Fiona KomLosy, and her son, Seamus Cole.

Her spirit lives on in her three children and one grandson: Jami Kim KomLosy of Chebeague Island and Yarmouth, ME; Captain Jonathan Fredrick KomLosy of Chebeague Island, ME; and Dr. Stacyann Brewster Stewart, her husband, Mathew (Cape Elizabeth), and their son, Ozric Hassan, also of Chebeague Island and Yarmouth, ME. Her beloved grand-dogs, Maggie May KomLosy (Jami) and Princess Leia Simone Stewart (Stacy), and grand-cats, Alvin and Thea (Stacy), were all by her side as she passed peacefully.

A Remembrance Gathering will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland, ME.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Chebeague Island this summer, more information to follow.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Bánu's legacy, contributions may be sent to the Stephen L. Ross Scholarship Fund or the Bahá’i Fund (please note, only registered Bahá'ís may contribute).