Margaret Ann Pombier

Margaret Ann. Pombier, 92, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on February 3, 2024. She now joins her loving husband, James, who preceded her in death on February 6, 2018.

Margaret was born in Lansing, Michigan on January 21, 1932, to James and Mary Cretcher, who were both teachers. 

Margaret grew up in the Midwest, as her parents were teachers in various high schools and colleges. She graduated from Albion College with a teaching degree in 1952, and then met the love of her life, James O. Pombier, a U.S. Marine. They married in 1952, and had 5 children, traveling throughout the country while James served in the Marines for 20 years. Margaret was very busy raising their 5 children and working as a teacher while James was absent for long periods of time serving in the military. After retiring from the military, they eventually settled in Michigan (Battle Creek and then Lansing), where James began a long and distinguished career with Western Southern Life that eventually took them to Panama City, Florida and then finally to Jacksonville, Florida, where they remained for the remainder of their lives while enjoying the many visits from their children and grandchildren for many years who were all the joy of their lives.

Margaret was also preceded in death by her parents, Dr. James R. Cretcher and Mary (Wooton) Cretcher, and her brother James R. Cretcher and sister Judith A. (Cretcher) Enos. She is survived by her 5 children: James (Terri) Pombier, Madison, Wisconsin, Mary Hoffman Rabb, Jacksonville, Florida, Patricia (Lowel) Nash, Lansing, Michigan, Linda (Sam) Drelles, Leland, Michigan, and Philip (Lexa) Pombier , Starke, Florida, along with 15 grandchildren; great grandchildren, and many very special nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a very special life-long friend June Smith of Georgia.

Throughout her long life, Margaret was a very sweet, kind and loving daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to everyone. Margaret is remembered for her wonderful sense of humor that came out of nowhere. She was one of those special people who never had an unkind word to say about anyone or anything, a true role model who set the highest example for her family and her students during her teaching years. We are all forever grateful for her dedication to her family and their happiness was always her priority. Margaret was a true example of patience and kindness with everything she did.

She will be missed by all those who have been blessed by her beautiful life comprising of over 92 years. Daughter Mary was by her side and her loving caregiver for many years after the passing of James Pombier who she also cared for with compassion and humanity and the family is forever grateful.

Margaret will be laid to rest with her loving husband James at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32218 on June 17, 2024, with a service beginning at 12:25 pm those arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Chapel, 127 Blanding Boulevard, Orange Park, Florida 32073. Margaret’s memory and life will also be celebrated with a family memorial service in Marshall, Michigan on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 1:00 pm with visitation beginning at 12:00 noon at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 North, Marshall, Michigan 49068.