Esther Roseann Colby

Born in Somerville, Massachusetts, Esther was the youngest of nine children and the cherished daughter of Bertha Helen Foster. Her early years instilled in her a strong sense of family, resilience and a deep commitment to education and service – values she carried with her throughout life.

Esther earned her degree in education from Bridgewater State University, a testament to her lifelong love of learning. While earning her degree, she continued to raise her family in Canton, Massachusetts, where she became a pillar of the community. A passionate advocate for public education, she proudly served on the Canton School Committee, dedicating herself to improving the lives of children in her town. Her interest in civic life extended to town politics, where she remained actively engaged for many years.

Esther also spent her later years on Cape Cod, a place she deeply loved and found great joy in. Whether walking along the beach, tending to her garden or giving her time to the Cape Cod Museum of Art, she embraced the beauty of the Cape with gratitude and peace.

Esther was married to the love of her life, Edwin A. Colby, for an extraordinary 72 years. Together they built a home filled with warmth, hard work, and unwavering devotion. She was a nurturing mother to Sherrie E. Bak (Scottsdale, AZ). Edwin F. Colby (Georgetown, MA), Lynn E. McNeil (Ellicott City, MD) and Christine C. Payton (Cary, NC), and one child who predeceased her, Robin L. Colby. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the joy of her life.

Overall, she found happiness in the simple pleasure of home: sewing with care, diving into home improvement projects, cooking delicious meals, and most of all, caring for her family Her hands were always busy, and her heart was always full.

Esther will be remembered for her strength, grace, and generosity of spirit. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the community she served, and the countless lives she touched.

A service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Esther’s memory may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or the Suncoast Hospice Foundation at suncoasthospicefoundation.org/donations or 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760.