Marie Paule Combettes died Jan. 4, 2014, at Careage of Whidbey at the age of 91.

She was born Nov. 13, 1922, in Bayonne, France, to Alexander and Clemence Pinsolle. She was married to renowned chef Jean Paul Combettes in Montpellier, France, on March 4, 1948.

The first daughter, Muriel, was born with a critical heart condition, which the French doctors were unable to care for, so Jean Paul sold everything and brought his family to the United States and the Cleveland Clinic. Two years and two heart surgeries later, Muriel was on the road to recovery.

In 1954, the family moved to San Francisco, where Jean Paul served as a chef at the Saint Francis Hotel.

Marie was a stay-at-home mother, caring for her family. In 1960, the family took up residence in Reno, Nev. In 1976, the family arrived in Oak Harbor, where Jean Paul served as chef for Kasteel Franssen. Jean Paul died in 2007. With failing health, Marie moved to Careage of Whidbey.

Marie is survived by three children, Muriel O’Brien of Tacoma, Audrey Combettes of Mount Vernon and John Combettes of Cape Coral, Fla.; and by two siblings, Simone Pinsolle of Bayonne, France, and Jean Pinsolle of Marson, France.

Funeral Mass for Marie Combettes was celebrated at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Oak Harbor, with Rev. Paul Pluth, JCL as Celebrant on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014. Rites of Committal followed at Maple Leaf Cemetery with a reception in the Parish Hall.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences using the Book of Memories hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.wallinfuneralhome.com