Carol Theresa Combs

Carol Theresa Combs of Clearlake passed away peacefully on February 1, 2017 at the age of 89. Carol was born to Joseph and Nettie Aebly in Downing, Wisconsin on July 21, 1927. At 16 years of age, Carol became a nun where she was a music teacher for many years. She later moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and left the convent in 1963.

She earned her BS in Milwaukee in 1953 and MA at San Francisco State College in 1963. Her major was Education and Theology. She had a teaching credential and was a teacher and librarian for Konocti Unified Schools until her retirement in 1996. Carol married Sam Vella in 1968 and they lived in San Bruno, CA until they moved to Clearlake in 1976. Carol was soon the Librarian at Oak Hill Middle School and later the Librarian at Lower Lake Elementary.

Carol continued in her teaching career in public schools and in Catholic religious education. In 1992 Carol married James William “Bill” Combs. Bill and Carol were inseparable and had a deep love for one another. In her retirement Carol continued as a teacher and Director of Religious Education at Queen of Peace Parish in Clearlake.

Carol was always passionate about teaching, music and children. She served as her church’s music and choir director for many years. She played piano and organ for thousands of church services, weddings, and funerals. Carol once said that “teaching is my life and children of all ages are my love.” Anyone who knew her knows that Carol embodied this statement in all she did. "It's all about the children.”

Carol is survived by her husband, Bill, step sons William Combs, and Kurt (Denise) Combs. She is also survived by step daughter MaryAnne Moeller, brother Robert (Mary Jane) Aebly, brother-in-law Joseph Walsh, sister-in-law Judith Aebly plus many nieces and nephews and nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Carol was preceded in death by her first husband Sam in 1990, sisters Marian Walsh, Madonna (Edward) Baxter, and brother Ronald Aebly.

On Saturday, February 18, 2017 a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Queen of Peace Church at 14435 Uhl Avenue in Clearlake beginning at 12 noon and followed by a luncheon reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 6697, Clearlake, CA 95422 or Queen of Peace Women’s Guild at Queen of Peace Church, 14435 Uhl Avenue, Clearlake, CA 95422.

Arrangements under the care of Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel. Please share your loving memories of Carol by signing her on-line guestbook at www.jonesandlewis.com and www.legacy.com.