Betty Jane (Becker) Coombs

Betty Jane Coombs, 91, of Port Byron, passed away on July 30, 2025, in the comfort of her home.  Born in Jamaica Queens, NY, Betty Jane was the daughter of the late Charles and May (Kamps) Becker.  She was a graduate of Andrew Jackson High School, St. Albans, NY, and SUNY Cortland.  She had a 40 year teaching career including 20 years as a remedial reading teacher at East Middle School in Auburn NY.

An avid reader, and teacher, she worked hard to find the fourth graders that needed help with reading skills as they were having trouble keeping up and starting to fall behind.  She had a knack for identifying and advocating for them and their parents to make sure they got the extra help they needed. 

She was also a loan officer for the Cayuga County School Employee Federal Credit Union where she helped many school employees learn personal finance as they bought their first car with a credit union loan.  She was also an active member at Redeemer Lutheran Church, working in the church office on weekly bulletins and other projects.  She enjoyed reading, gardening, knitting, cross stitch and sailing.

Betty is survived by her four children Michael Coombs, Mark (Elizabeth) Coombs, Ron (Laura) Coombs and Ellen (Jeff) DiSanto: Five grandchildren and two great granddaughters, along with many nieces and nephews.  

In addition to her parents, Betty Jane was predeceased by her husband, Paul Coombs in 2017, and her sisters Eleanor Wilson and Adele Ullman.

Betty’s family would like to extend a special thank you to her in-home aides who helped her over the years and provided her with excellent care and companionship.

Funeral services for Betty will be offered Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at The Redeemer Lutheran Church, Auburn.  

Donations in Betty’s memory may be made to the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 10 Prospect Street, Auburn NY 13021.  

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