Helene Gombas 1930-2024

Helene was born Sept. 18, 1930, in Budapest, Hungary, the beloved daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Stephen Winkler. Her early life was marked by resilience and courage as she endured the upheaval of World War II. Forced to flee her homeland during the Holocaust, Helene found refuge in Belgium before embarking on a new chapter of her life in America. Arriving at Ellis Island in 1956 with her husband and first child, she eventually settled in Youngstown, a place she would lovingly call home.

Helene embraced her life in Youngstown with hard work and dedication. From 1958 to 1961, she worked as a governess and later served as a housekeeper for prominent families in the area. A devoted member of the former Our Lady of Hungary Church, she also actively participated in the Youngstown Maennerchor, the Hungarian Freedom Fighters, the Hungarian Club and the Ladies Confraternity of Our Lady of Hungary. She was lovingly known as the “dumpling lady,” renowned for her unmatched skill in preparing the dumplings for the church’s beloved chicken paprikash dinners, which became a cherished tradition in the community.

Generosity and kindness defined Helene’s life. She was always ready to lend a helping hand, whether to family, friends or her community. She found happiness in simple pleasures, including playing bingo, visiting casinos, baking and spending cherished moments with her grandchildren. Her grandson’s hot rod adventures brought her special joy, as did her role as the matriarch of her beloved family.

Helene is survived by her three children, Anna Marie (George) Smail of Canfield, Ernest J. Gombas of Youngstown and Lisa Gombas, her devoted caretaker with whom she shared her home; her six grandchildren, Amy Dalman, Amanda (Jason) Paris, Michael Gombas, Elaine Gombas, Samantha Gombas and Alexandria Gombas; three great-grandchildren, Matea, Makenzie and Mila Marie; and many extended family members and friends.

Helene was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 24 years, Ernest Gombas, whom she married in 1961; and her first husband, Michael Fill.

Private services were Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, at Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown.

Interment took place in Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown, where Helene was laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Ernest.

Helene’s family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to the funeral to help with final expenses.

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