Jackie Coombs
Jackie Coombs passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 while being cared for at Meadowbrook Healthcare in Plattsburgh, where she had been residing since April of 2021. She was born on May 8, 1936 in Saranac Lake, the daughter of Francis and Agnes (Humphrey) Dumont.
Jackie attended Saranac Lake Central School and graduated in 1954. She married her husband of 62 years, Howard Coombs, on April 16, 1955 in St. Bernard’s Church. They raised their family and made their home in Saranac Lake. Howard and Jackie purchased Coombs Auto Body Shop in the mid-60s and owned and operated it together until Howard’s retirement in 1991. In addition to her bookkeeping at the body shop, she worked at NY Telephone as a switchboard operator and Parnell Shoe Salon as a salesperson. However, her favorite job was being a library assistant at both Petrova Elementary and Middle Schools where she enjoyed working with the students and staff.
Following her retirement in 1997, she and her husband traveled and enjoyed visiting family both in the U.S. and Canada, and spent winters in St. Augustine, Florida. She always enjoyed gardening, camping trips and spending time at their camp in Fish Creek Park.
Jackie is survived by her brother, Francis Dumont; three children, Terry Coombs, Lynn Bacan and Cathleen (Bert/Rouse) Fountain; her grandchildren Carly (Darian) Crosby, Andrew Bacan (Lexie), Emily Fountain (Drew) and Abbey Fountain; and one great grandson, Booker McCabe Crosby (expected in June 2023).
She is also survived by her sister-in-law, who was more like a sister to her, Vera (Bill) Rusak.
She was predeceased by her parents and her husband Howard.
The family wants to thank the caregivers: Sally, Joey, Donna, Renee and Lea and special friends and neighbors for keeping Jackie safe and allowing her to stay in her home for as long as possible.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. Calling hours will take place on Friday, July 7 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Church followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Burial will be private and take place at the convenience of the family.
Family and friends wishing to remember Jackie Coombs may share a memory, send a condolence and sign the online guest book at www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com