Corombos, Esther E.

(nee Rissanen) 99, of Bradenton, FL and Libertyville, IL passed away August 19, 2018, after living a very full 99 years, 4 months and 13 days!! Born in America with Finnish parts!! She had "sisu"! (Finnish for "spunk.") Beloved wife of the late Theodore G. Corombos; loving mother of Carole (John) Tanner II, Sharon (Dean) Krone, George (Lynn) Corombos and Jeanne Corombos (Robert Wilson); cherished grandmother of Cindy (John) Giambrone, Julie (Jeff) Wehmeyer, John (Elena) Tanner III, Jeanne (Justin) Bartels, David, Lauren and Daniel Krone, Tamara (Charles) Lane, Paul (Thera) Reilly; proud great grandmother of Matt, Alex, Kevin, Andy, Nick, Khloe, Tanner, Aria, Jack, Kenny, Lily, Cayden and Silas. Esther was preceded in death by her Finnish immigrant parents, Lars Peter and Aina Rissanen (Niskanen); and sibings, Helmi (Elmer) Wetter, Adolph (Selma) Rissanen, Einard (Eleanor) Rissanen, Eugene (Lucille) Rissanen and Erland (Gladys) Rissanen; fond aunt and great aunt to many.

Esther was born in Michigan’s Copper Country, in the mining town of Trimountain. She attended (now) Northern Michigan University, and was the first in her family to get a college degree. There she met her husband Ted Corombos. Esther taught for many years, including Painsdale HS, Manistique HS, and Redford Twp’s Lola Valley Jr. High. She valued the Greek culture of her husband, Ted, and they went on to have a family of four. Later years found them enjoying their home in Florida, family and friends. A recent fall left her with back pain. On Sunday she visited with family over coffee in the outdoor courtyard of the rehab facility, had dinner, and fell asleep. She just did not wake up.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 23, 2018 from 10 am until time of the service 11 am at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1133 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook. Interment Iron Mountain, Michigan. To honor Esther’s many years of teaching, in lieu of flowers, a donation to the educational organization or charity of your choice would be welcome.