Mary Jane Combs

Mary Jane Combs, age 67, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2008 at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg. Mary Jane was born April 7, 1941, in Madison, WI, the daughter of O.B. and Mabel (Van Abel) Combs. She graduated from Wisconsin High School in 1959 and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1963, and began her teaching career in California. After two years, Mary Jane returned to teach in the Madison Schools until her retirement in 2002. Over those 39 years of teaching, her life was enriched by the many students and colleagues whose lives she touched. Mary Jane had been an active volunteer in the WHA-TV auction, UW-Madison Panhellenic Association, and Chi Omega sorority. Mary Jane is survived by her brothers James A. ( Beverly) Combs of Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, and Robert P. (Ann) Combs of Madison, as well as, nephews and niece James, Michael, Lauri, Andrew, Robert, Edward, and Alexander. She is preceded in death by her parents O.B. and Mabel combs, and her brother, Thomas H. Combs. Mary Jane cherished her family and friends. She will be dearly missed by all. The family extends its sincere thanks to the staff at HospiceCare for their kind and compassionate care. A celebration of Mary Jane's life will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Saturday November 15, 2008 from 1:00PM until 3:00PM. Memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, Wisconsin 53711.