Kathie Anita Coombs

Kathie Anita Coombs, 72, of Center Sandwich, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026 at Wolfeboro Bay Center.

Kathie was born in Portsmouth on October 6, 1953, to her mother, Anita Ouimet (Hayward), and biological father, Leslie Locke. She was raised with her sisters, Sue and Karen, by her mother and Guy Hayward, who lovingly took on the role of their father.

Kathie grew up in Newington and graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1971. In the years that followed, she built a life deeply rooted in both New Hampshire and Maine. In 1986, she settled in Cambridge, Maine with her son and then-husband, where she remained until 2005. She later lived in Barrington, Lyman, and Center Sandwich, remaining a lifelong New Englander.

She worked as a forklift operator at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and later, at the original location of Burt's Bees in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. Above all, Kathie dedicated herself to raising and homeschooling her son, Clint, who was the love of her life.

Kathie's love only grew with the arrival of her granddaughter, Isis, with whom she shared an especially close and cherished bond. Lovingly known as "Nanny," she embraced that role wholeheartedly - not only for Isis, but also for Will, the son of Clint's longtime partner, Ashley, whom Kathie welcomed as her own from the time he was six years old.

Kathie found joy in life's simple pleasures - cooking and baking, spending time with her family, visiting the beach, and expressing her creativity through painting, crochet, and crafting. She especially loved painting alongside her lifelong friend, Eddie Davenport, and treasured making Christmas ornaments with her sister, Sue.

Sue was not only her sister, but also her best friend. They talked on the phone every day and spent as much time together as possible over the years, a true reflection of their close bond. Sue's family affectionately called Kathie "Do Do Day," a nickname given to her by Sue's son, Travis, from a song he and Kathie loved listening to together when he was a baby.

Kathie was also a devoted lifelong attendee of the Deerfield Fair (since her birth in 1953), a tradition she held dear and looked forward to every year.

She will be remembered for her sharp wit and unmistakable New England expressions, her warmth and natural ability to connect with anyone she met, her extensive knowledge of movies and music, and, above all, her love for her family. She will be deeply and dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Kathie was predeceased by her parents, Anita and Guy Hayward; lifelong friend Lonnie; and her five beloved dogs - Jake, Dozer, Harley, Jax, and Brodie.

She is survived by her son, Clint Coombs, and his partner, Ashley Gore, along with their children, Isis Coombs and Will McCarthy, of Bartlett. She is also survived by her sisters, Sue Goddard (Tim) of New Durham and Karen Stewart of Berwick; mother-in-law, Larraine Coombs; lifelong friends Nancy Glidden and Eddie Davenport; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Kathie faced many health challenges over the past 20 years, with her health declining more rapidly in recent years. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Huggins Hospital and Wolfeboro Bay Center for their compassionate care and support.

Kathie had a deep love for Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, which was her favorite place to visit. She'll be laid to rest there, with her ashes scattered at the places she loved most.

A private celebration of life will be held with family and close friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those who knew and loved Kathie are encouraged to make a donation in her memory to Friends of Acadia, The Deerfield Fair Association, or to their local animal shelter.