Dr. Angela G. K. Gombos

Dr. Angela Gombos, a dedicated educator and beloved family member, passed away on November 1, 2024, in Baldwin Park, California. She was born on September 4, 1944, in Budapest, Hungary. Angela's journey brought her to the United States, where she made significant contributions to education and became a cherished presence in the lives of many. Upon leaving Hungary at a young age, she lived in Caracas, Venezuela for part of her childhood, learning fluent Spanish, before immigrating to the U.S., where she spent most of the remaining 70+ years of her life in West Covina, California.

Angela began her career with the telephone company in downtown Los Angeles in the early 1960s. Her true calling came after she earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Cal Poly Pomona, which led her to a successful 42-year teaching career in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District. Angela taught a variety of subjects, including psychology, sociology, social studies, history, world religions, and English (including English as a Second Language).

She furthered her education by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies from La Verne University and a Doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California. Angela's commitment to teaching and to her students was evident throughout her time at Glen A. Wilson High School in Hacienda Heights. She was a lifelong student, taking every opportunity to learn about different cultures on family travels to various worldly destinations, including Australia, England, Egypt, Greece, Japan, Scotland, Taiwan, Turkey, and Ukraine.

Angela was known for her outgoing and extroverted personality. Her family often noted her ability to engage anyone in conversation, quickly learning their life story. She was optimistic and tolerant, and generous with advice, which she drew from a wealth of experiences. Angela was a calming presence, helping others through difficult times, and she deeply valued her relationships with her family and friends.

Among her proudest accomplishments were her three children and her role in her two grandsons' lives during their formative years. Angela loved to sing, enjoyed cheerful movies, especially those starring Elvis or Doris Day, and had a knack for gathering personal histories and tracing family lineages. She remained a central hub of communication for family members across California, the United States, Hungary, and beyond. Breakfast outings with loved ones and watching educational documentaries were among her cherished pastimes.

Angela is survived by her husband of 64 years, Geza Gombos, Sr.; her eldest son, Geza Gombos, Jr.; her daughter, Emilia Gombos Smith; her son-in-law Kelly Smith; her youngest son, Victor Gombos; her daughter-in-law, Emily Gombos; her grandson, Ryan Bernhard and his wife, Melissa; her grandson, Henry Gombos; her sister, Carmen Karady; and many extended family members. She joins her deceased family members, including her mother, Angela Bottkos Karady; her father, Laszlo Karady; her brother, Laszlo (Les) Karady Jr.; and her sisters, Daisy Eastland and Diana (Barbara) Karady, in eternal rest.

A funeral service will be held in her honor on November 23, 2024 at Forest Lawn - Covina Hills, located in Covina, California. Angela Gombos leaves behind a legacy of love, knowledge, and inspiration that will continue to resonate with all who knew her.