Born on April 26, 1933 in Merced, California, to Tom and Gladys Quigley, Nell Quigley McCombs had a rich and wonderful life. Nell graduated from Tracy High and went on to Modesto Junior College, where she met Ed McCombs, beginning a life-long romance. They married in 1954 while students at UC Berkeley, graduating in 1956.
The first of three daughters, Kathy was born in Walnut Creek, followed by Linda and Allison in Yuba City. A life-long desire to experience the world was realized in 1967 when Nell and Ed moved with their young daughters to Sarawak, Malaysia, working in the Peace Corps. Afterwards, the McCombs family travelled throughout Europe, camping in a VW van, and then settled in Ventura in 1970.
During Nell's 48 years in Ventura she dedicated herself to raising her family and to community involvement. Her extensive work in voter education has been recognized by the League of Women's Voters and Rotary International.
Nell returned to work as an accountant for Lindsay CPA Firm, and later for Engle and Bride Law Firm, who recognized her contribution in 1992 for their "Success and Peace of Mind."
In 1981, Nell and Ed moved to Nigeria, where Nell worked on a World Bank project in agricultural development. She then administered a midwifery program in Lesotho, continuing this work in Uganda, and in doing so made a real contribution to global health, recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation from the United Nations in 2001. During this time in Africa Nell climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with Ed, and did extensive game watching.
Nell and Ed travelled the world visiting 113 countries, and loved watching animals in Africa, South America, and Asia. An avid backpacker in California's Sierra Nevada, Nell hiked the John Muir Trail in 1992, summiting Mt. Whitney. In 1992 she trekked in Nepal and Bhutan. Sharing their love of travel with their family, including 3 sons-in-law and 6 grandchildren, Nell and Ed arranged safaris in Africa and the Galapagos Islands, exploring their culture, history and natural history.
Nell's inspirational life is remembered, celebrated, and honored by her husband of 63 years, Ed; her daughters Kathy, Linda and Allison; sons-in-law Wayne, Mark, and Tom; and 6 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Ventura County's Food Share or the League of Women Voters would be appreciated.
The family is thankful for the excellent care given by Community Memorial Hospital, Treacy Villa and Livingston Memorial Hospice at the end of Nell's life.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
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