I was her student in 2009. I moved from Ohio to Florida and was completely scared. Unfortunately I had undergone sever bullying at CCC and felt like I had no one. I remember walking the halls and missing lunch entirely because I did not want to sit alone. Ms. Chomuik saw me one day and invited me into her classroom, and from then on when she was there, I was with her at lunch. She never brought up what was going on when we ate together, but for 45 minutes I felt like a normal human being. She saved me that year. I needed those 45 minutes to make it through the rest of the day alone. Without her I don’t think I would have honestly made it. I’m so sad she is gone, and I never got to thank her. Just know your mother was an angel, disguised as a blunt independent woman. Her heart was big for those in need and it was an honor to have encountered her in my life. No amount of thanks will ever be enough for what she gave me. She gave me peace in a dark time in my life.

I am the next door neighbor of Angela(her sister) and after reading all these wonderful tributaries I am so sorry for your loss and that I never got the chance to meet this wonderful person. R.I.P. Annette.

Annette was a wonderful, insightful and truly intelligent person.Her death came so fast that I have yet to make sense of it. I know this much, I am a better person because I knew her. She is sorely missed by so many at CCC. Yes, she made a real difference in my life and in the lives of so many students, teachers, friends and especially family.
Rest in peace, good friend. Enjoy Paradise!

Sunday, November 16, 2014
Mrs. Chomuik was a fantastic teacher. All the love to her family and friends.
~ Julie Mac, Yonkers, New York

Ms. Chomuik was one of the most beautiful people I'll ever meet. She understood her students so well and I'm just very appreciative that I got the chance to learn from her words. She genuinely cared about our values and who we would become. I've never felt more comfortable with a teacher than with her and I admire how she was able to create that environment of stability around her. I really hope she knows what kind of impact she had on my life and pray that one day I'm able to influence someone's life as she has shaped mine. She will be deeply missed.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014
she touched my heart by the way she touched my children's lives. she is greatly loved. ~ Florida

Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Annette will be remembered for her incredible sense of humor, ability to cut to the truth of the matter, and her balanced perspective that always came with a good laugh. I feel fortunate for having known her and shared with her many precious memories. She will certainly be missed by all who knew and loved her.
~ Linda Condon, Clearwater, Florida

Monday, November 10, 2014
Mrs. Chomuik was a wonderful teacher and made an impact on my education. She will be terribly missed. Rest in Peace!
~ beira Covas Alvarez, Denver, Colorado

Monday, November 10, 2014
Mrs. Chomuik was one of my favorite teachers. She always made me laugh and she had an incredible way of making learning enjoyable. (Except the AD movie! Really chomes?! Two weeks of AD? ;)) I loved getting to chat with you during other classes and breaks. You were always the highlight of my day. I hope now that you're watching from above, you'll see how many lives you truly touched! Mine included. Love ya Chomes!
Always, maria lovera
Xoxo
~ maria lovera, DUNEDIN, Florida

Monday, November 10, 2014
Annette was a special friend who made me laugh for many years at CCC. More importantly, she impacted so many students. She was always the one that kids felt comfortable with in order to share their problems and seek advice. You leave a hole in the world, dear friend.
~ Melanie Kling, Tarpon Springs, Florida

Ms. Chomuik was one of my favorite teachers at CCC. I used to have long hair that I wore back in a ponytail my sophomore year, and when I cut it my junior year Ms. Chomuik said, "Daniel! Why'd you cut your hair! I liked the ponytail!" I still had the hair I had cut in a ponytail at home, so the next day I brought it to her. Needless to say she was tickled by the gesture, and for my remaining time at CCC she kept it in her mailbox in the teacher's lounge. She was such a wonderful woman, and a great teacher. When I was going through a difficult time with my girlfriend my senior year, I would stay after class to vent to her, and she would always listen and offer advice or a witty quip that would make me smile. High school was an incredibly awkward time for me, and I was constantly battling with low self-esteem but Annette Chomuik made me feel special, made me feel like I mattered. I was talking to my brother about her today and he said that of all the teachers we had at CCC she was one that he would have gone back to visit, and I agree with him wholeheartedly. Love to you Ms. Chomuik, and condolences to your family and friends. I have and will always continue to learn from my mistakes, and embrace my imperfections, thank you for showing me that "perfection" is a highly subjective term, and that I don't have to be "perfect" to be special.

Although I can't be there with you today, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Our lives have been greatly enriched from having known Annette, and she will live in our hearts and in our memories forever. I love you all, and I am thinking of you. Leslie

One time I was at Ms. Chomuik's house after a high school soccer game with Carrie. I remember waking up the next morning and her commenting on how amazing it was that I could take my "crazy gone to bed wet now afro curly mess" of hair and tie it into a tight bun she was used to seeing. Anyone that knew me in my highschool days could appreciate this. Ha..brings a smile to my face, just like it did then. And I'd also like to make a public apology for confusing 275 and 75 in the directions I gave her when trying to get Carrie to my house for our famous edible cell. I know that made it a little difficult to find.

Sending great love and prayers to you my angel, Chomuik. A passionate, unique, brilliant, and beautiful woman who touched the lives of thousands of people...lucky to have crossed paths with her. Filled with love and wisdom, her ability to guide youth in overcoming their challenges and mistakes was unlike anyone I have ever known. The most important lesson I learned from Mama Chomuik was--to love, no matter what. Always encouraging her students in seeking truth, she planted seeds in us to see, to understand, and to make a difference. Most importantly, she gave us the ability to think for our own.
Mama Chomuik is a gift, a guide, and a wonderful example of the love of Jesus. In my last conversation with her, we talked about drinks, Jesus, her admiration of Pope Francis, the significance of Oreos, and the importance of embracing mistakes. She said, "Lastly, my dear, embrace your mistakes... Learn everything you can from them. They will keep you humble and they will make you wise. The only time they will triumph is if you become too arrogant and ignore them."

And so to you my angel, I thank you for blessing me with years friendship, mentorship, many laughs, wisdom, and love. Rest in peace and with Jesus mama, and continue to guide us and our world. We love you.

"Funny though, the more different we are, the more the same we emerge, always whittled down to our hopes and fears... For ourselves... For humanity...our differences rest in the definition of solutions and what we require to be at peace with life. Never forget to look into the eyes of the other... This is what will continue to keep your heart open, and your vision focused on truth." Annette Chomuik