Irma Angelina Colombo

Irma Angelina Colombo was born on April 21, 1923, in Chicago, IL. In her nearly ninety-eight years, she lived a life full of love and compassion that enveloped those around her. She was a servant of God and a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, but her generosity of spirit extended far beyond her closest family. As a teen Irma moved with her parents and siblings to Southern California, and as a young woman prepared herself for ministry as a missionary by attending Biola University in Los Angeles during the early years of World War II. While Irma awaited a call to the mission field she worked as the college dean’s secretary and, upon graduation, in a bank known as the “bank to the stars” in Beverly Hills. She subsequently trained as a nurse and a flight attendant before meeting Joseph Colombo whom she married in downtown LA church in front of 700 guests. They spent their happy early years on Balboa Island where Irma gave birth to their first of six children.

The family eventually settled in Orange County where she assisted Joe in starting a church he pastored while simultaneously completing his architecture degree at USC. Irma then played a pivotal role in growing Joe’s architect business while also raising their six children. Irma never lost her passion for missions and followed her heart by ministering to people and by praying for and encouraging those around her, from the women in her Bible study, to the servers she met in restaurants. She never met a busboy she didn’t generously tip as she looked for every opportunity to express her faith in Jesus, her gratitude for the service of others, and to bless those she met, even strangers.

She also showed love through her Italian cooking, making do with whatever was available in leaner times, and later creating abbondanza for anyone who wanted a seat at the table - there would always be a place for those who didn’t have anywhere else to go. Irma gained a well deserved reputation for being a “master” when it came to cooking meat; she just had a knack. Irma was also known as the “See’s lady” as she always had an extra box of See’s in her house for anyone who might stop by. It was also her signature each Christmas to bless everyone she knew with a See’s gift certificate.

Irma loved music, especially old hymns, as evidenced by the box of old hymnals she collected, all of which have dog-eared or tabbed pages of her favorites. She also especially took pleasure at the piano. She appreciated art, she herself being a talented painter of stills and landscapes. One of her very favorite places to visit was the ocean. She celebrated many a sweet holiday eating at Newport’s Five Crowns followed by a dreamy ride along the Pacific coast. For many years she and Joe regularly attended Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. Upon Joe’s passing in 2007, Irma began attending Calvary Church of Santa Ana. Irma is now certainly rejoicing in Heaven, singing praises to Jesus with all of her family and friends who went before her.

Predeceased by Joseph, her husband of 57 years, she is survived by her six children, ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

While we celebrate her homecoming, she will be dearly missed...

Her family would like to let you know while flowers are appreciated, if anyone wants to make a memorial gift in honor of Irma Colombo, please consider making a donation to: www.Samaritanspurse.org