Mary Combes, 82, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, died Sunday, April 11, 2010, surrounded by her five loving children. Mary was born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 28, 1928.
When she was very young, Mary’s parents moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she lived and was raised. During these years, Mary developed her strong love for the ocean and the beach. Mary married her childhood friend, John Combes, in 1950 and moved to Michigan. Mary and John settled in Farmington Hills, Michigan, where they resided and raised their family of one daughter and four sons. Mary worked as a secretary for the City of Birmingham and Oakland Community College before joining the 47th District Court in Farmington, Michigan, where she worked for 14 years as an administrative assistant for the probation department. In 1995, Mary achieved her dream of moving back to Florida to live the remainder of her life on the beach in the seaside community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. While living in New Smyrna Beach, Mary became a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Episcopal Church where she enjoyed being an active and productive member of the Flower Guild.
Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 47 years, John Combes, and she is survived by her five children Linda Tomala (Tom), John Combes (Nancy), Michael Combes (Karen), Stephen Combes (Debbie) and Richard Combes (Kathy) along with 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be sent to St. Peter the Fisherman Episcopal Church for Father Jim’s mission trip to Haiti, 4220 Saxon Drive, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169.
10:00 PA at St. Peter the Fisherman Episcopal Church 4212 Saxon Drive New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 on Saturday, April 17, 2010 (map/driving directions)
David and Lina Whalen
Our condolences to you and your family.
Haroune and I remember your Mom with the perpetual tan.She dressed Linda for her music performances at OED and elsewhere.We also bought a silver car with a red interior when I started teaching in 76 from your Dad.
We are happy to know that she was able to be in Fla. for the last 15 years.
We know that she was proud of all her children.We know all the good that Linda brought to the students of OED and Farmington Public Schools. It was not always pleasant.
When one retires one thinks that they have finished with the unpleasant events of life. Life isn,t like that.Different things happen. We do get through them.
A mother's death is one of them.May God bless all of you!IWe know that your Mom would like you to be happy!
Much love,
Patti Insley
Mom's legacy of love for the ocean, the sand, the sun and New Smyrna Beach itself lives on in all our lives. We have walked miles on that beach, spent hours watching the ocean, built castles in the sand and have seen the face of God in so many of her friends here, especially the people of St. Peter the Fisherman's Episcopal Church. Our family will never forget you, and we plan to not only be snowbirds, but springbirds, summerbirds and autumnbirds.
We love you, Mom. Rest in peace.