Barbara McGuire Colley, age 87, born and raised in Hamden and a long-time resident of Danbury, Connecticut passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 26, 2018. Barbara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and confidant throughout her beautiful life.
She leaves behind her devoted husband of 65 years Arthur S. Colley, two daughters, Karen (Robert) Weinheimer and Barbara (Enrico) Savo of Danbury and three sons, Arthur W. (Kathy) Colley of Danbury, Stephen (Amy) Colley of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, and Timothy (Lori) Colley of New Milford. Barbara will be lovingly remembered by her 17 Grandchildren, Heather (Pasquale), Jason (Melissa), Sean (Kristen), Shannon (Steven), Amanda (Joe), Samantha, Bethany, Jillian, Gavin, Daniel, Joshua, Jacqueline (Anthony), Gabrielle, Evan, Jacob, Nicolas, and Julia as well as 11 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and their families. She will also be fondly remembered by her brother William “Biff” (Jeannie) McGuire of California and her sisters-in-law Joan McGuire of Arlington, Virginia and Maureen McGuire of Meriden, Connecticut.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents Mildred and William McGuire and her brothers James F. McGuire of Arlington, Virginia and John (Jack) McGuire of Meriden, Connecticut.
A graduate of Hamden High School in 1948 and New Haven State Teachers College (now Southern Connecticut State University) in 1952, Barbara shared her brilliant mind and gentle nature with students in West Hartford and Guilford before embarking on her greatest teaching success raising her five adoring children. Barbara would return to the classroom as a substitute teacher in the greater Danbury area where she spent many years as both a teacher and coordinator for the CCD Program at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Danbury.
The family would like to especially thank Elaine and Stacey Simms for their dedication and the loving care they provided to Barbara. We would also like to thank VITAS Hospice for all the wonderful support they provided our mother.
Barbara’s unyielding love for her family and the selfless sacrifices she made for them over her long life will forever be etched in their memories.
For family and friends fortunate enough to have known her, a visitation will be held at Green’s Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury, Connecticut on Thursday, November 1st from 3 pm – 6 pm.
A Funeral Service will be conducted at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 1st, 2018 at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury with Deacon Bill Murphy, officiating. Interment will be at her family plot in Hamden, Connecticut on a date and time to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, those who so desire may make donations in memory of Barbara to the Mildred E. and Bill McGuire Nursing Scholarship, c/o Fairfield University, 1073 N. Benson Rd., Fairfield, CT 06824.
