Margaret Ellen Viko Coombs
April 28, 1928 - January 15, 2014
Margaret Ellen Viko Coombs, age 85, devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother, passed away from pancreatic cancer on January 15, 2014.
Margaret was born in Salt Lake City on April 28, 1928, to Dr. Louis Eindred Viko, a cardiologist born in Park City, and LaVaun Clark of Farmington, a nurse. Her father’s father, Eindred, Sr., a Norway immigrant, was the first physician in Park City in the late 1800s.
Margaret was an excellent student. After graduating from East High School and the University of Utah, during which she joined the Pi Phi Sorority, she decided to pursue the family profession of medicine. She went on to attend Washington University Medical School in St. Louis for 1 year. After transferring back to the U of U Medical School to complete her second year, Margaret met the love of her life, Jack Coombs, who had returned from the occupation forces in Japan and swept her off her feet. They were married in 1949.
After three children, Margaret went back and received Master Degrees at the U of U in both Microbiology and Anatomy. She then worked in cancer research at the U of U. When the family moved to Montreal, Canada, from 1966 to 1969, Margaret learned French and worked in cancer research at the University of Montreal.
Margaret served on the Board of Planned Parenthood of Utah in the 1980’s and 1990’s and was active in women’s rights causes. She was an avid tennis player and a remarkable classical piano player all her life, playing piano until 6 months before her death. She instilled a deep love of music, the arts and education in her children and grandchildren.
Survived by her husband, Jack, daughters Kathleen Korkishko (Alex) and Dr. Rebecca A. Riley, and son, J. Michael Coombs (Dorothy), 9 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and brother, Paul Viko, of Vermont. Private family services were held with internment at Mt. Olivet. Many thanks to Jaycee, Proxy and AJ of Danville Support Services for their wonderful care, including Gentiva Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the University of Utah School of Music.
In Loving Memory
To Jack, Kathy, Becky and Mike, I was so sorry to read of your mom's death. Although I haven't seen her for many years, i have such fond memories, including the Bachauer competition and dinner at Le parisien afterwards! She was always so welcoming and graceful. I had no idea about her studies in medical school and accomplishments in the field of research, but it makes so much sense. She obviously fostered and supported the many accomplishments of her husband and children. I am sorry she is gone but what a marvelous life well-lived.
Ann Wassermann
salt lake city, ut
Our deepest condolences to the family, and our love to Jack. I (Carol) loved Margaret from the first time I knew her. She was so sweet, gentle and kind.
Ron and Carol Allen
Spokane, Wa
To Jack and Family -Joan and I were saddened to learn of Margaret's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Margaret was a gorgeous ,charming and wonderful woman. Please stay in touch Joan and Gene Erbin
Joan and Gene Erbin
Salt Lake city, ut
I loved Margaret. We were kindred spirits. I was her personal trainer at the AgeWell, and trained her at home with Jack for a few months. I was lucky enough to hear her play the piano! She was very shy so I realize how lucky I was. She wrote out her daily piano exercises for me to try, and gave me the recipe for her jelled carrot salad. She showed me many things her mother had made, and we talked in depth about our mutual interest in medicine. I interviewed Margaret and Jack about their lives and made CDs for her kids and grandkids. She was so special to me! My run yesterday was dedicated to her. What an amazing couple, Jack and Margaret. My deep condolences. Just know I loved her very much.
Jennifer Floor
Salt Lake City, Ut
Margaret was a truly classy lady and a dear, dear friend., I was so pleased and proud of her piano accomplishment and loved hearing her. We enjoyed our tennis too and our many wonderful times together. She will always have a special place in my heart.
Marian Dunn
Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Coombs Family, We are very sorry for your loss. Margaret was a lovely and very special lady and we enjoyed listening to her playing the piano at the Manor, her piano teacher's place, on several occasions. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Renate and Christopher Kesler
Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Jack & Family, Our deepest sympathy to all the family at the loss of a wonderfully talented wife and Mother. We enjoyed her presence for years at the Saturday Night Dance Club with Jack. We had the honor of knowing Margaret's Father when we moved to SLC 53 years ago. May the fondest of memories of Margaret remain in your hearts. Love, Jean & Harry Wong
Jean & Harry Wong
Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Jack, Michael, Kathy and Becky:: We know words are'nt much comfort at a time like this. But we want you to know we are thinking of you. We loved Margaret,too,it was a priviledge to have her friendship; and her loss will be felt by many. Please accept our sympathy and best wishes. Ernest and Eleanor Muth
Ernest -Eleanor Muth
Salt Lake City, Ut