Mary Elizabeth Gombert was born in Queens, New York to Virginia and William Kelly on October 27, 1938. 

Mary and her three siblings, Michael, Paul, and Virgina, grew up in a small neighborhood in Queens. They entertained each other the best they could, and when they couldn’t, they took trips to Hildebrandt’s, a local ice cream store, for sugary treats. In her senior year of high school, Mary went on a blind double date with a girlfriend of hers. This is where Mary met Charles Gombert, who happened to be her girlfriend’s date for the evening. Charles and Mary married in November 1957, moved to Long Island, New York, and had three wonderful children, Douglas, Wayne, and Laura. She was also a loving aunt to Cathy, Max, Marilyn, Nicole, Christopher, Beth, James, and Joesph. 

In the fondest chapter of her life, Mary became a grandmother to 5 grandchildren, Micheal, Emily, Joesph, Matthew, and Daniel, and a mother in law to Timothy and Lynn. Mary was a “glam-ma” which meant her grandchildren often got caught in a web of her fabulous jewelry when she hugged them or were wiping excess lipstick off their faces. More importantly, it meant joining her on wild adventures, like Matthew, her grandson, who skydived with her on her 75th birthday. She enjoyed spoiling her family with trips, notably, to Disney World and an unforgettable cruise to Alaska.

 Mary also had an active social life and traveled around the world with her family and friends. She was a member of several book clubs, attended scholarly lectures through Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and was involved in several women’s groups. She experienced so many incredible moments on her travels but her most cherished included riding a camel in Morocco, having a baby elephant sit on her foot in an elephant sanctuary, and going on safari with her siblings in Africa. Additionally, Mary was a faithful parishioner of Church of the Nativity and participated in several charitable works. She served hot meals to the hungry, volunteered at My Sister’s Place Women’s Center, and in her later years, demanded her son in law, Timothy, make endless U-turns at very busy intersections so she could give a homeless person asking for money a dollar, or two, or five.

 Mary passed on September 1, 2026, surrounded by her family at Stella Maris in Timonium, Maryland. She was fearless and a force to be reckoned with. Mary would like to be remembered as a timeless beauty, but her family and friends will remember her for her beautiful heart.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.peacefulalternatives.com