With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Stella Gombola on Thursday, November 3 at the TBRHC Transitional Care Unit. At age 99, she was still a remarkably strong and independent woman who resided on Donald St.
Stella was born in 1923 to parents Katie (Zimmerman) and Steve Dutkywich in Shoal Lake Manitoba. She spoke often of her days growing up on the farm with her 4 sisters- Nellie Kowalczyk, Ann Klages, Helen Herchak, Eileen Mazur and 3 brothers – Henry, Leonard and Tony Dutkywich. She then moved to Fort William in 1943 and lived in the East End where she met many family and friends that she still ran into throughout the city to this day. She worked at Canada Car where she met and married Steve Gombola in 1948. They enjoyed exploring the many lakes of the region on fishing trips with family and lunches at the Marina on a hot day. They also loved large family gatherings and spending time with their wonderful neighbours on James St.
For 40 years Stella was an employee and later a volunteer at Pinewood Court. She took a lot of pride in her work and loved doing activities and trips with the residents. She was also a member of the Tops organization where she enjoyed weekly lunches, countless adventures and many lasting friendships. She loved going to church and being a member of St. Agnes Parish. In recent years she enjoyed going for coffee with her neighbours and contributing to her building’s social events. She reignited her passion for knitting and her washcloths are legendary.
Stella was incredibly proud of and deeply loved her family. She will be greatly missed by her brother Tony, her son-in-law Rod, her granddaughter Becky and many nieces and nephews across Canada. She is predeceased by her husband Steve, son Larry, daughter Frances Priscott, grandson Randy, 2 brothers and 4 sisters. In recent years she really cherished many visits, calls and pictures from Lori, Gerry, Tanner, Kaitlin, Gail, Cathy, David, Olivia, Sam, Karen, Colin, Angela, Grant, Debbie, Gail and Dorothy.
We thank Dr. Skunta and the staff of the Transitional Care Unit for their excellent care and compassion. A funeral Mass officiated by Rev. James Panikulam will be held at St. Agnes Church at 1:30pm on Thursday, November 10.
The service will be live streamed at https://www.stagnesrc.ca/live.html Visitation will be held at the Blake Funeral Chapel on Wednesday November 9, 2022 from 6:00 -8:00pm with prayers offered at 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Salvation Army or a local charity of your choice would be appreciated.
