CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Anna Mae Coombs

A binder of cards and letters from grateful students stood as testimony to her career as an amazing bus driver. For most of her career her route was for South Harrison Kingsway Students. She loved them all; when students spoke to her they knew they were being heard. Years later when she drove grammar school kids, she had a program where she calmed the nerves of her kindergarteners by letting them meet her before they rode on her bus. Her later years found her spending much of her time with her granddaughter: board games, shops, puzzles, crafts and painting. Of course, all of the grands make her heart leap. But her attention to the grand puppies was just as intense, especially her best buddy, Reya. Though Reya had suffered years of trauma she took to Anna Mae, snuggling with her at her toughest times even though she didn’t like to be held. As a mom, she beamed with pride. Her kids knew she had their back. She was stubborn but it was a good thing: when they needed something done, Mom was their go-to person. She maintained her friendships for a lifetime, having her friends over and listening to Elvis, playing cards, painting and laughing. Her love of family dated to her early years with her parents, known by the family as Grandmom and Grandpop Winter. She cooked comfort food with the best of them: meatballs, pot roasts, cream chip beef, stuffed peppers, heavenly salad, anise pizzelles, snickerdoodles, apple dumplings and mac and cheese. No one loved her cooking more than her husband. If her T.V. was on, she’d be checking out the Hallmark Channel (especially at Christmastime for movies), Lifetime, MASH and anything with animals.

She is survived by her son, Glendon N. Coombs, Jr. (Elissa); daughter, Janet Spence (Robert); son, Brian Coombs; son, Salvatore Coombs (Kelly); daughter, Stacy Fortuna (Jason); grandchildren: Jordan Harper, Madison Coombs, Gabriella Coombs, Brianna Brittain (Andrew), Jacqueline Spence, Robert Spence, Arianna Coombs, Cali Coombs, and Jalyn Fortuna; great-granddaughter, Chandler Ihrie and great-grandson, Griffin Brittain.

Come celebrate 78 great years Tuesday July 8, 11 a.m. to noon at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro where there will be a noon service.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6170918655?omn=85682722419.

Interment Lake Park Cemetery, Woolwich. Donations in lieu of flowers to Renee’s Rescues will be appreciated.

Link for donations: https://share.google/I2mY3yhDO5i0cL1HV