Dorothy Coombs

Dorothy Morrison Coombs

1934-2016

St. Johnsbury Center, Vermont

Dorothy Morrison Coombs, age 81, of Sanger Circle passed away peacefully Wednesday September 14, 2016. She was surrounded by her daughter, Lynn and granddaughter Megan.

Dorothy was born in Littleton, NH on Christmas Day 1934.  Adopted daughter to the late Raymond Carlyle and Hazel (Graham) Morrison, Dorothy was raised and educated in the town of Lower Waterford and Saint Johnsbury, VT.  She graduated from St. Johnsbury in June 1953, and on July 18, 1955, she married Donald Earl Coombs and was married for 49 years when Don passed on October 6, 2004.  Dorothy worked at St. Johnsbury Academy starting in December of 1968. She worked in the business office, the Alumni Office, as well as a secretary to the Vocational Educational Department and managed the computer room.  She helped many students to talk about their issues or concerns.  Dorothy supported them and pushed them to complete their education.  Graduation was a special time when they would show their diploma to her and thank her for her guidance and support.  She continued her work there until her retirement in 2013.

She bowled at Littleton Lanes in the Women's League for several years; was a dedicated mother and grandmother who attended all sport activities and plays.  Dorothy set up and organized the library at the Center School and was the Secretary and Treasurer for the St. Johnsbury Center Fire District for 20 years.  She enjoyed feeding and watching wild birds and was an avid Red Sox supporter. Dorothy was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church in St. Johnsbury Center where she sang in the choir and was a soloist at weddings and funerals.

She is survived by her two children: Lynn Root and her husband, Terrence, of Lebanon, NH, Kenneth Coombs and wife, Sheryl, of Concord, NH, seven grandchildren: Justin, Patrick and Megan Root; Blake Jenkins II; Michael Sumner; Justin and Allison Foy, two great-grandchildren: Derick Root and Willow Gilboy, sisters-in-law: Lorraine Morrison of Lebanon, NH; Lorraine Laurin and her husband, Richard, of Star Lake, NY, as well as several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband: Donald Coombs; daughter: Diane Coombs; brother: Carlyle Morrison and sister: Martha Barrett and her husband, Herbert Barrett.

Friends may call on the family from 5-7PM at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury, on Friday September 16, 2016.

Funeral services will be held at 1PM on Saturday September 17, 2016, at the United Community Church, formerly the North Congregational Church in St. Johnsbury on Main Street with the Rev. Joan Vincent officiating.  Burial will be held privately at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Dorothy Coombs' name to Saint Johnsbury Academy Alumni - Class of 1953 Head Master Scholarship, care of Tammi Cady; Saint Johnsbury Academy  P.O Box 906 Saint Johnsbury VT 05819.

Condolence may be shared at www.saylesfh.com