Mrs. LaCombe was born June 10, 1948 in Port Henry, NY, the daughter of the late Marion and Donald Cogswell. She attended school in Port Henry, also graduating with Honors from Mater Dei College with an Associate's Degree in Social Work. Carolyn was also the very first recipient of the Sr. Mary Hortense Literary Award for her wonderful poetic writings.
Carolyn married the Rev. Edgar (Ed) LaCombe III (an Episcopal Priest and NYS Chaplain) on June 20, 1974 in Moriah, NY, after which they resided principally in the Ogdensburg/ Morristown area.
Following college, Mrs. LaCombe became the Field Advocacy Coordinator for the JCCDP - Northern New York Federal Food Program, monitoring funded programs in St. Lawrence County. She went on to assume the position of Circulation Manager of “The County PennySaver.” In the early 1980’s, she along with her husband, helped to establish and run “Dismas Acres” which was a transitional home serving young people involved with the NYS Division For Youth and who were returning to the North Country from youth correctional facilities. They later served as foster parents for a number of young teens until moving from the area.
Following their move in 1989 to Tupper Lake, Mrs. LaCombe took a position with Sunmount DDSO, initially serving as the Editor of the facility’s “Update” publication. She subsequently served as a Developmental Therapy Aide and then as a Residential House Supervisor until her retirement.
An established musician, vocalist and leader of music ministries, Carolyn was very active in support of her husband’s ministries in their parishes in Morristown, Tupper Lake and Champlain/Rouses Point, NY. She led the music ministry at Christ Church Morristown up until the time of her passing. Carolyn had been highly involved with Episcopal Cursillo, along with the Happening Youth Movement of the Diocese of Albany for a number of years.
Mrs. LaCombe is survived by her husband, Ed, and their children: Victoria (Andrew) Thornhill [Heuvelton], Justin (Tina) LaCombe [Potsdam], Joshua LaCombe – [Peru, NY], along with Wendy (John) and John (Jenn) Beeman – [Essex County]. Residing since their birth with Carolyn and Ed were their twin grandsons, Noah & Samuel LaCombe. Their other grandchildren include: Drew (Paige), Rachel (Andrew) and Hannah Thornhill; Caleb & Gabriel LaCombe; Hayden, Oliver & Alexis LaCombe; Adam Beeman(Deanna), Shannon Hanson (Michael); Calsie Granger (Paul). She also leaves behind three great grandchildren, Mia Rose, Bodhi and Michael. Also surviving are her brothers and sisters: Patricia Grant (James Genier), William (Carol) Cogswell, Donald Cogswell and Edna Ferguson - She was predeceased by her parents, a sister, Donna Cogswell and a nephew, Jason Grant.
A Mass of the Resurrection for Carolyn will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, May 25th at Christ Church - Episcopal, Main Street, Morristown, NY. Friends and family are welcome to pay their respects at the Church from 10:00am – 11:00am, prior to the service.
Memorial Contributions may be made in her memory to “Christ Church – Episcopal,” PO Box 1297, Ogdensburg, NY. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may also be shared at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com
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