Betty "Mimi" Gombash Kenjerska

Betty "Mimi" Gombash Kenjerska, 88, of Ithaca, NY, passed away November 9, 2012 at the Evergreen House in Jacksonville, NY, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Ithaca, NY, daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Gombash. Betty was an extremely loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Her grandchildren meant the world to her, and it was such a blessing that she had a presence in their lives to share her love and wisdom. To her grandchildren and family, she was "Mimi." Her petite stature and sweet disposition were complemented by her strong will and determination in life. She never ceased to amaze her family by her impressive independence, perseverance, and contagious sense of humor, especially during this past year as she faced many challenges. Betty had a passion for baseball, which evolved from a very early age as she watched her high-school sweetheart, Tony, play as a young man; to traveling to the New York Yankee stadium; enjoying her grandchildren play; and then her love for the game continued for the remainder of her life. She worked for many years at Cornell University in the Alumni Office until she became a mother, and then she was fully committed to staying at home to devote all of her time to her children. She is survived by her son Mark (Christine) Kenjerska and daughter Kristine (Charlie) Slaght; grandchildren Matthew, Anneliese, and Paul; brother Robert Gombash in Houston, TX; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her husband Anthony Kenjerska, brother William Gombash, and sister Rose Gombash. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, November 12, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church. Private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Betty's memory to Hospicare of Tompkins County, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. The family would like to thank Patty Classen for her genuine compassion and support, and to the staff at the Evergreen House, who became our second family, for their gentle, kind, and wonderful care that they gave to our Mimi each and every day.