BESSIE COMBES
Bessie Faith (Fowlston) Combes, 83, former longtime Norwich resident and for the past several years a resident of Greene, passed away Tuesday afternoon, July 7, 2015, at the home of her daughter surrounded by her loving family.
Bessie was born on September 21, 1931 in New Berlin the daughter of Homer and Alice (Thompson) Fowlston. She attended school in New Berlin and lived her adult life in Norwich. On September 10, 1960 in Norwich married Joe Combes who passed away August 7, 2006.
Bessie’s entire life revolved around her family and showered them with endless gifts of love. Her home was filled with love, laughter, guidance and strength and our family is all very close because of our parents Joe and Bessie. Although our hearts are saddened by her passing, we know that she is with our father and our loved ones that have been waiting to see again. Bessie enjoyed her crocheting, watching her soap operas, the Price Is Right game show and her Bible Study each Wednesday. It goes without saying that the Chenango County Fair was her and Joe’s favorite week of the year.
Bessie is survived by her children ; Erma Smith and husband Gary of Greene, Alice Thompson of Mooresville, NC, Diane Thompson & Michael Quick of South Plymouth, Ben Combes and wife Pauline of Huntington, WV, Laurie Shepard Sr. and husband Michael of Norwich, Peggy Sue Combes of Richmond, VA and Joe Combes Jr. and wife Laura of Unadilla, her grandchildren; Barbara Moore, Amy Bickford, Michelle Smith, Jason Vandermark, Krystal Thompson, Alfred Thompson 3rd, Joshua Thompson, Kara Quick, Michael Ouick, Jamie Milk, Lauren Quick, Steven Combes, Adrienne Carnrike, Ben Combes Jr., Darrin Combes, Teresa Burger, Michael Shepard Jr., Ashley Shepard, Joe Combes 3rd and Jacob Combes. Also surviving are her great grandchildren; Russell & Kayden Moore, Sharon & Gavin Bickford, Kendra Williams, Kianna, Kameron & Khole Smith, Brianna Thompson, Aiden, Alex & Aubree Thompson, Emily, Victoria & Ryan Milk, Eric Combes, Mercedes Combes, Bradley Aikins, Raven Moore, Shadon & Lucian Burger, Bella Shepard and great great grandchild Imani McPherson, her sisters Wanda Hill and husband Harold and Marjorie Murphy both of Norwich. Bessie is also survivied by her sister-in-law Peggy Fowlston of Sherburne and her sister & brother –in-laws, Mary & Mel Lindholm of TN, Eva Fowlston, Helen & Clarence Rowe, June & Ernest Conway, Rose & James Whittaker, Earl & Rose Combes, John & Betty Combes, Charles Combes, Nina Leib, Frank & Sharon Combes all from the surrounding NY area along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides her husband Joe, Bessie was predeceased by her children Timothy & Penny Combes, grandchildren Thomas, Gary & Christopher Smith, Beth Ann Combes, her great grandchild Bishop Combes, her parents Harold & Alice Fowlston and brothers Homer, Harold, Ken, William Norman and Jimmy.
A funeral service for Bessie will be held on Monday at 11 am from the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Jason Sayles will officiate. Interment will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home on Sunday from 3-6 pm.
Please consider memorial contributions to Lourdes Hospice, 4102 Old Vestal Road, Vestal, NY 13850 with checks made payable to Lourdes Hospice or to The American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790.