Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Susan Clifford Dombrowsky M.D.

1943 - 2016

BORN

1943

DIED

2016

About

Cushman School

Susan Dombrowsky Obituary

DOMBROWSKY, SUSAN CLIFFORD, M.D. October 14, 1943 - July 12, 2016 Susan, the eldest of eight children, followed her father's footsteps into medicine. She went to University of Miami Medical School, at a time when women did not. Her indomitable spirit and indefatigable work ethic (she was pregnant with Alexander during her residency in Jackson's emergency room) carried her through. She became the doctor for generations of families she treated from her Miami Shores practice. All of her patients would agree (including the ones she stitched up in her kitchen) that she was a gifted diagnostician and ultimately a true healer. To Susan, family and education were paramount. Through her hard work, she ensured that she was able to travel the world with her family-never fancy, but always fun with an educational purpose. Susan and her husband Alan also made sure that every evening they shared supper together-interrupted only for educational purposes as she sent one of the boys to fetch the Encyclopedia Britannica or Oxford Unabridged Dictionary. Locally, she sent her boys to the finest schools, and did not miss an opportunity to drag them to the theatre, opera, museum, gallery, Audubon Society "Owl Prowls", Fairchild Tropical Gardens strolls, and Everglades bird watching. She is survived by her husband Alan H. Dombrowsky, her three sons Alexander Dombrowsky (Anna Blackman, PhD); Daniel Dombrowsky (Jessica Fine); Joseph Dombrowsky, M.D. (Elizabeth Polfer, M.D.). She was newly a proud grandmother to Joseph's son Alexander Justinus Dombrowsky and Daniel's daughter Charlie Ava Dombrowsky. She is also survived by her large family including brothers Michael Clifford, M.D., Stephen Clifford, M.D., Paul Clifford, M.D., Richard Clifford, and Daniel Clifford, M.D., as well as sisters Mary Clifford and Collette Martinez, and beloved nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews. In the end, it was only a "Susan Dombrowsky-sized" cancer that could take her before her time. A private ceremony will be held. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Cushman School (where the Dombrowskys and Cliffords have had a family member for the past 60 years) in Susan Dombrowsky's name.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Miami Herald from Jul. 17 to Jul. 20, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan Dombrowsky

40 Entries

Barbara Schray

July 7, 2024

She was a great doctor always caring for her patients emotionless. I as a nurse worked with her and her patient many times. Took after her wonder father

karen scott

July 9, 2023

Dear Susan, with two of your beautiful granddaughters and fine son, we toasted you last month in El Paso while having a tea party with a gorgeous little set that you had stored in anticipation of such an occasion. We missed you.

paulette ward

July 7, 2022

It was wonderful to know several members of the Clifford family. Susan was my mother's doctor and she thought the world of her. She never found another doctor that she respected as much. Dr. Dombrowsky has been missed. P.Ward

Karen and Joe Scott

July 8, 2020

We think about her every time we see her lovely grandchildren; how proud she would have been.

Deborah Kondelik (Sanchez)

July 7, 2020

I remember Susan with great fondness. Susan was a bright light in this world and will be remembered with love always. She was my doctor and I taught many of her children and family members at Cushman School.

Layla Cavitt

August 19, 2016

Dr. Dombrowsky was my mentor during my first year of medical school. I was extremely nervous about medical school's academic rigors, and Dr. Dombrowsky reminded me of the rewarding career possibilities in primary care. She very much eased my transition into medical school with kind, encouraging words and by sharing learning from her own experience. She was a wonderful and generous mentor to me.

August 14, 2016

She was an absolute loving Doctor, my doctor 80-90's. She was also a fellow North Miami High School Pioneer. Class of 61.

Rosemarie Jaworski

August 8, 2016

Dr.Drombrowsky was not only a wonderful physician, but a warm, kind, and thoughtful human being who brought peace and comfort to many. Her kindness and caring will forever be in our memories of this wonderful woman.

Della Zaher

August 7, 2016

I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Dombrowsky. She was my physcian for many years when I was the principal at Miami Shores Elem. She was a wonderful doctor and will be missed.My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

July 26, 2016

I was so sorry to hear about the death of Dr. Dombrowsky. She was such a wonderful doctor as well as a super person. My mother Ruth Wilbar was a patient and she thought so highly of Susan as we all did. My deepest sympathy to her family, she will be missed.

July 22, 2016

I am so saddened by Dr. Dombrowsky's death. She was not only my doctor, but part of my life while her sons attended Miami Shores Elementary. Additionally, I was also a patient of her brother, Stephen Clifford. I remember when Alan came by the school to pick Danny up. The world has lost a great diagnostician, physician and human being.

Tamara Alvarado

July 22, 2016

I am so saddend by this news. Dr. Dombrowsky treated my mom back in 1987, Doris N. von Wedel and myself as a teen. I am sad to hear of her passing.

Karen Frick

July 22, 2016

Just happened upon dear Dr. Dombrowsky's obit in the Herald. Truly a great doctor, as was her father. They both cared for our family for several years while we lived in N. Miami. Our thoughts and prayers go out for the family.

Mary Camargo

July 21, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Dombrowsky's demise. She had a great smile which actually made me smile every time I saw her. My condolence to her family.

A V

July 20, 2016

Sorry to hear of the passing of Susan. Our deep sympathy to you and the family. She gave so much of herself to so many. May the"God of all comfort" help you to cope during this very difficult time and fill your hearts with strength, peace and hope. 2 Corenthians 1:3,4

Carolyn LePage

July 20, 2016

Dr Dombrowsky was a mentor to me at Barry a university and NSMC. A larger than life person with an enormous heart, her compassion is a rarity in health care today. My condolences.

Carol Forrest

July 20, 2016

I am deeply saddened to learn of Dr D's passing. She was our family doctor from 1979 until her retirement in 2000. She was a kind, caring & compassionate person. She may be gone, but will never be forgotten.

Barbara Schray

July 20, 2016

Great doctor. As great as her wonderful dad. I know she will be missed. Great family. Very kind and caring. God bless

John Geake

July 19, 2016

I became a doctor because of Susan's father. My family and I have know the Cliffords most of my life. I am so saddened about Susan and send condolences and love to her family.

patricia ellis

July 19, 2016

my deepest sympathy to the Dombrowsky and Clifford families,I was so. very saddened to hear of Dr Dombrowsky's passing ,I worked with her many years ago at North Miami General Hospital,and I absolutely loved her.very special lady and an excellent. caring Dr,God bless her,

Alice Brightbill

July 19, 2016

I am totally shocked and saddened by this news. Sending all best love and prayers to the entire family. Dr Dombrowsky was a great help in my mother's illness. I remember well Alan from banking days, when he was a frequent customer. And of course, I will never forget Stephen Clifford, MD, my doctor of many years when I lived in North Miami. God's blessings to all of you, and may she rest in peace.
Alice Brightbill, West Palm Beach

Annette Watkins

July 18, 2016

I was so saddened to hear of Susan's passing. She was such a wonderful and compassionate person. My heart goes out to Allan and the family.

Leah Carlebach

July 18, 2016

Much love to the Dombrowsky family. She was a great doctor and I am grateful to have known her.

Patty Klotz- Burianek

July 18, 2016

Sending thoughts & prayers to the Dombrowskis & Clifford family.
I lived across the street from the Cliffords, wonderful people.
My heart goes out to everyone in both families.

Joe, Karen and Karman Scott

July 18, 2016

We wish we had known her longer but now her family is a joyous legacy. Our love and thoughts are with them now.

Deborah Kondelik

July 18, 2016

Susan was my doctor until she retired. I taught drama to her sons at Cushman School. We all mourn her untimely passing. I will always remember her with respect and love.

Joan Holland Lora

July 18, 2016

She was my doctor, my children's doctor and her dad was my father's doctor. She will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.

Martha Fernandez

July 18, 2016

So sad,,,,,one of my favorite clients,,,i learned so much from you.May my prayers be with you and you family.

July 18, 2016

Dr. Dombrosky was a wonderful physician and woman. I had the privilege to work with her at north Shore! What a caring woman! So sorry for your loss

Sarah Barrett

July 17, 2016

I'm so sad to hear about Dr. Dombrowsky. Everytime I saw her she had a smile on her face. She is part of a fantastic, loving, beautiful, incredibly amazing family. All my love and best to everyone during this difficult time.

Kathryn Giacoboni

July 17, 2016

So saddened to learn of your family's loss. Susan was my doctor for many years and guided my son's care through a scary time for us. Her legacy will live on in the lives of all she treated and helped with her kind ways. May your loving memories comfort you and may your faith sustain you.

Donna Jette Presley

July 17, 2016

My thoughts and prayers to the Dombrowsky and Clifford families on the lost of your dear Susan. She was a remarkable woman and will be missed.

Deirdre Fitzpatrick

July 17, 2016

God Bless Susan's Family. I know she has been welcomed home with open arms by the Good Lord. She was a wonderful woman.

Marian Turk

July 17, 2016

I was so glad to spend some time with Susan after her return to the Shores. Her laughter, curiosity and good sense are just a few qualities I admired and will miss. She was truly special. My thoughts and good wishes to her family.

Barbara Whitaker

July 17, 2016

Dr. Susan was a lovely woman. A kind and compassionate caregiver. What an amazing family. Sending light, strength and peace to all of her loved ones.
Love,
Frank and Barbara Whitaker

Melanie Rutkin

July 17, 2016

One of my favorite people..May my prayers be with you..Melanie Rutkin

Sister Helen Gilroy

July 17, 2016

Please accept my prayers and sincere sympathy. Doctor Susan was so very good to all of the Sisters of IHM who served at St. Rose of Lima. She is fondly remembered in our prayers.
May the Good Lord heal your broken hearts.
Sister Helen D. Gilroy IHM

Karen Alvarez

July 17, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of Dr Dombrowsky's. My prayers are with her family. R.I.P.

Janice LaCapra

July 17, 2016

Susan always made you feel that she was taking special care of you.....AND, she was. We could never have raised our sons without her help!!!!! Loved our last lunch together, for 4 hrs, in Tallahassee....The wait staff came over to see if we were staying through dinner and Allan called twice to make certain she was okay! My heart goes out to all of you!!! Hugs from all of us!

Rosario Santiago

July 17, 2016

My heartfelt condolences to Susan's family. I am saddened to hear of Dr.Dombrowsky's death. She was my doctor, until she left Miami. She was awesome, always positive and caring. She took the time to get to know her patients, not just their medical needs. I have missed her wit and compassion, as well as her thorough and accurate assessments. I am alive because of her " I don't like those symptoms" that turned out to be severe coronary artery disease. I am thankful for having her as my doctor for so many years.
May the good memories comfort you.

Showing 1 - 40 of 40 results