Arlene Eveline McCombs

Our Mom was a pillar in the Rexdale community in the 1960’s and 70’s at one time the President of the Catholic Women’s League and an active member in the St. Benedict’s Parish. Our Mom also had several articles in the Etobicoke Gazette that preceded her own column in the Scarborough Mirror entitled ‘Mother’s Helper’. Mom then decided that she wanted to go back to school and earned her Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. At Mom’s request, she ended up teaching elementary students with special needs full time with the Toronto Catholic School Board. Our Mother was often praised by her fellow teachers, students and most importantly the parents of her students who recognized the care and compassion Mom gave to their children. Mom did this while raising four children of her own and dealing with multiple sclerosis.

But if you asked our Mom what was her greatest accomplish in life she would always say that adopting four children John (Dalit), Mark (Irene), Nicole (Paul) and Colette (Aaron) with our late Father, Graham, and seeing them blossom into the individuals that they have become today gave her the greatest joy. Our Mom, despite having been dealt multiple life changing physical ailments, was our rock, our stability. We knew that no matter what troubles we encountered, Mom would help us cope the same way that all who were fortunate enough to know her would experience, an outpouring of compassion and non-judgment.

Our Mother also had great love for the Pettitt family especially Phil, Tim and Kelly and their families. Due to her MS, Mom could not always physically participate in family gatherings but her spirit was always present.

Mom’s Grandchildren Kaila, Chelsea and Matthew and Great Grandchildren, Lily and Summer were a source of strength and joy for her up till the very end.

The family would like to thank all the healthcare and personal support workers who helped Mom throughout the years.

Lastly, Mom came up with the name Jomanico referring to the first two letters of her children’s names. Jomanico thanks you Mom for being the best Mom anyone could possibly have. Your legacy of compassion and non-judgment will be carried on for generations to come.

Now that you are free of your ailments, embrace once again your parents Albert and Doris, your brother Ron and sister-in-law Diane. Give our Dad a hug and everyone else who are no longer with us. You have touched so many lives. The queue in heaven to greet you will no doubt be quite long.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers a donation to the MS Society here , Baycrest Foundation here or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.