Obituary of Mary T Colby

Mary T. Colby, a woman whose smile and charm would brighten the day of everyone she met passed away peacefully on Saturday night, February 10, 2018 at the Commons in Lincoln. She was 89 years old. Mary was born in Boston, the daughter of Irish immigrants, the late James and Mary Ward. She grew up and was educated in Brookline. She met her future husband, Ed Colby, on what they thought was a blind date ……. later to find out they were born one day apart in the same hospital. The true definition of “Love at first sight”. They were married in 1953 and they purchased their home in Burlington in 1956. As well as being a fulltime mother of 3, she worked for over 25 years at Sears Burlington in the Payroll Department. The true essence of Mary was how warm and welcoming she was to everyone she met. She greeted everyone with her radiant smile that never seemed to leave her face. She always followed that smile with a warm welcome, a compliment or a kind word. Mary’s special gift instantly made that person feel welcomed, at ease, engaged, and special. She looked at the world with a positive outlook and she was full of optimism. She always felt blessed and thankful for the life she had. If a friend, coworker, or even a stranger was having a bad day, all they had to do was chat with Mary and their day was instantly brightened. This gift was not something superficial but genuine, sincere and true. Once you were her friend, you were a friend for life. She kept in contact with friends from elementary, high school, coworkers, neighbors and her children’s friends during her 89 years on this earth. Everyone was welcomed at her home. Her focus was to make her guests comfortable and happy. Food was her poison, and Mary was lovingly known as the “food-pusher”. In her eyes, everyone must be hungry, it was okay to serve a meal before the meal, there is always room for a second helping …… and you must take some leftovers home for later. It was just the way Mary lived her life always thinking of everyone’s happiness. The other quality that Mary possessed was her sense of fashion, and her color choices were always bright and happy. Walking out to get a newspaper in her bathrobe would never happen. Her hair had to be combed and make-up on, especially her blush and lipstick. She loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. She loved her home, her husband of 64 years, her children, and all of her friends. The world has lost a bright and shining star, but her memory will never fade in the hearts of all she has touched. Mary was the Beloved wife of Edwin “Ed” F. Loving mother of Leo of Weymouth, Catherine “Katie” of North Chelmsford and Maureen of Woburn. Sister of William Ward and wife Sheila of Hanson and the late Marjorie Lawlor, Jean Conroy and James and Richard Ward. Mary is also survived by many nieces, nephews and close friends. Funeral from the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Friday, Feb. 16 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Thursday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Many of Mary’s loved ones have succumbed to this disease, Memorials in Mary’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association , 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.