Obituary of Mary Jessie Combdon

Mary Jessie Combdon
June 9, 1932 – March 3, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mary Jessie Combdon announce her passing on March 3, 2024, at the age of 91. Mary passed peacefully away at the Palliative Care Unit of Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook; NL surrounded by her loving family. 

She was born in Jackson’s Arm, White Bay, NL on June 9^th, 1932, to Thomas and Bertha (Burton) Pittman. A woman of great strength and little worry. Her contentment was sitting in her rocking chair gazing through the window- most often watching the birds peck from feeders and minks and otters playing on the beach. Mary was also a devoted member of the St. Bartholomew Anglican Church and Choir (75+years), A.C.W, and L.O.B.A. She will be missed by her sisters in those organizations. In her earlier years, she was an active knitter and knitted items for NONIA and donated knitted items to Western Memorial Regional Hospital. 

She was the Matriarch of our family; we all share fond memories of times at her home- a home filled with love and laughter. Christmas Eve was at “Nan’s House” down in the Cove- the table filled with ham, salt fish, and sweet bread. A memory we all hold close in our hearts. She smiled as we all sat around the table. She loved and was proud of each child and grandchild and their accomplishments in life. The great-grandchildren knew her as “Big Nan” despite her small stature. 

Leaving to celebrate her life with fond and loving memories are her daughter, Yvonne Gillingham; and her sons, Garry Pittman, and Vernon (Joan) Combdon. Grandchildren Tracy (Richard) Marshall, Rodney (Jody Hewitt) Gillingham, Charlene (Steven Rideout) Combdon, and Jeremy (Melissa) Combdon. Great Grandchildren Nickolas Marshall, Alexa Marshall, Alyssa Combdon, Dawson Combdon, Emma Hewitt, and Erin Gillingham. Brother Thomas (Melvina) Pittman and Sister in Laws: Bernice (Vincent Parsons) Pittman and Marion (Hugo) Hickie. Special Niece: Theresa Pittman and her special friend and homecare worker; Adrianna Osmond. As well as a large circle of family and friends. 

Mary is predeceased by her husband, Garland Combdon; her parents Thomas and Bertha Pittman, parents in law Simon and Sarah Combdon, brother: Freeman Pittman, Sisters: Marie Gale and Effie Combdon, Sister-In-Law: Mary Rideout, Brother in Laws: Arthur Gale, Benjamin Combdon, Ramsey Wells and Frederick Rideout and Son in Law: George Gillingham. 

The Combdon family would like to extend our thanks to those who have offered support, prayers, and comfort during the loss of our loved one. An extended thank you to the staff at the Main River Retirement Home, the Doctors and nurses at Western Memorial Regional Hospital, and the nurses at Palliative Care during her final hours, your compassion was unmeasurable. 

A visitation for family and friends will be held at St. Bartholomew Anglican Church in Jackson’s Arm on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, from the hours of 7:00 – 9:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 2:00 pm with Rev. Charlene Laing officiating. Interment will follow at the Anglican Cemetery.