Patricia "Pat" Jean Fischer Gombash

Pat Gombash passed away at the age of 79 on Wednesday, march 28, 2018 at the Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY after a short illness. She was born in Chicago, IL on December 27, 1939 to parents Emmett Elly Fischer and Helen Snodgrass. The family lived in Aurora, IL until 1949 when the moved to Orlando, FL. Pat attended Princeton Elementary, Memorial Jr. High, Howard Jr. High and graduated from Edgewater High School.

Following graduation Pat worked as a beautician but soon taught herself typing and became a receptionist for the law firm of Trickel & Leigh. While working, Pat went back to school at the University of Central Florida and earned a Paralegal Degree. She had a long career at Trickel & Leigh where her skills where her skills were high valued by clients and colleagues. As a paralegal she helped develop procedures that have been adopted and used by many organizations in the field of Estate Law.

Pat’s husband, Bill, retired from Martin Marietta in 1988 and they moved to Ithaca, NY. She loved working in the gardens of the lovely home Bill designed and built for her. A home they shared for nearly 30 years until her passing. Pat was a Board Member and volunteer for many years at the Ithaca Yacht Club and organized the annual Kentucky Derby and flower planting parties for 17 years. She was also a volunteer at the Cayuga Medical Center.

Pat is survived by her husband, Bill; her daughters, Raine Rouse and Stephanie Donaldson; her grandchildren, Katie Shaw and husband, Christian, Matthew Donaldson and wife, Ali and great granddaughter, Dakota Shaw. She is also survived by her stepsons, Jim Gombash and Bill Gombash III and his wife Elizabeth; stepdaughters, Lindsey and Jennifer and her sisters, Phyllis Dotherow and Barbara Doby and her husband, Wayne.

Calling hours will be held at Bangs Funeral Home on Thursday, May 31, 2018 from 11 am until 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat’s memory may be made to SPCA of Tompkins County or to the charity of you choice.