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Madonna Coombe

ISHPEMING, MI. – Madonna Mary Coombe, 93, of Ishpeming, entered into the arms of Jesus early Monday morning, February 15, 2016 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility where she had resided for nearly six years.

Madonna was born July 15, 1922 in Marquette to John M. and Leona J. (Dionne) Dushane Kurian. She married Ralph Coombe from Negaunee in 1945, traveling by herself by train to Ford Leonard Wood Missouri where he was stationed in the Army where they were wed. Madonna and Ralph eventually found their way back to Ishpeming, where they built their own home together and resided ever since.

In later years following Ralph’s death, Donna rented a small apartment in Ishpeming, eventually moving once again to live with her nephew and niece, Jeffrey and Darlene Stampee, for several years until moving to the nursing home in June of 2010.

In their earlier years, Donna and Ralph enjoyed pulling a small travel trailer and visiting southern states, mainly Florida. Donna was very actively involved in the Pythian Sisters and Daughters of the Nile, eventually traveling to many states for conventions, meetings and social gatherings of the Sisterhood. Donna was honored at one time and crowned the Supreme Grand Chief of the Michigan Pythian Sisters, an honor she was very proud of.

Mrs. Coombe was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette. In her free time, she enjoyed watching TV and working word puzzle books. She also loved to engage with anyone who wanted to talk about politics, in which she had a keen interest. Donna was an animal lover, and cared for several cats and parakeets over the years. She also took a liking to the resident animals at the nursing home, particularly one loving cat that seeked her out near bedtime and cuddled on the lazy boy chair next to her bed to spend the night. She loved playing cards with her large extended family when they could all get together from near and far, which they did often. With musically gifted brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles, the gatherings often went from card games in the kitchen to the living room for many hours of song and dance! A nephew of Donna’s, Chuck Thompson, actually wrote a song he put to music about his fond memories as a child lying in bed at night listening to the laughter and fun taking place downstairs at his grandmother’s house (Grandma K’s) as he drifted off to sleep.

Donna was a very kind, gentle soul, with a laugh and caring personality that will be greatly missed by all, and was very deeply loved by all those in her life. Her smile and laugh would light up the entire room. Donna possessed a keen wit, very sharp mind and a wonderful sense of humor. She never said a bad word about anyone, but was heard to mutter a few now and then about certain political figures!

While residing at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility she called home in her later years, Donna ‘adopted’ a very large family of staff and care workers whom she loved and cherished deeply. She loved all the hugs and compassion she received, and returned hugs and compassion often to those caring for her. She will truly be missed by many and left an indelible mark at the Facility.

Surviving are her sister, Barbara Stampee of Ishpeming; three nephews: Greg (Kathy), Jeff (Darlene) and Mark (Kathy Maynard) Stampee, all of Ishpeming; and several nieces, nephews, and great- nieces and nephews which are too numerous to name.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her Husband Ralph L. Coombe on July 4, 1981; a beloved Son, Ronald L. ‘Ronnie’ Coombe; a Daughter, Janice, who passed away at birth; three brothers: William (Donna), John (Dorothy) and Ken (Dell) Dushane; and two sisters: Patricia (Ted) Thompson and Margaret (Bill) Gauthier.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5:00 pm on Thursday, February 18th at St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette with Rev. Greg Heikkala and Rev. Larry VanDamme officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends for one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday, and also at a coffee and dessert reception in the church hall following Mass. Madonna’s nephews will serve as pallbearers. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in her memory to UPAWS, 84 Snowfield Rd., Negaunee, MI 49866.

Mrs. Coombe’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com,where memories and condolences may be shared.

Madonna Coombe

ISHPEMING, MI. – Madonna Mary Coombe, 93, of Ishpeming, entered into the arms of Jesus early Monday morning, February 15, 2016 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility where she had resided for nearly six years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 5:00 pm on Thursday, February 18th at St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette with Rev. Greg Heikkala and Rev. Larry VanDamme officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends for one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday, and also at a coffee and dessert reception in the church hall following Mass.

A complete obituary will appear in Wednesday’s edition of The Mining Journal.

The Koskey Funeral Home is assisting the family.