Merna S Colton

Merna Audrey Sibley Colton, 88, died peacefully among loved ones in hospice care at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown on Sunday morning (March 30). Merna was the loving wife of Edward (“Ted”) H. Colton, whom she married on September 14, 1949.

Daughter of the late Edwin J. and G. Gladys (Marshall) Sibley, Merna was born on March 6, 1926 in Knoxville, TN. She was predeceased by her older brother, Burton Sibley, in 1995. Merna lived with her family in San Antonio, TX before they moved to New Haven, CT in 1938. She graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1944 and the Baptist Institute for Christian Workers in Philadelphia in 1946. Before starting a family, Merna worked for the City Missionary Association and as a secretary at Calvary Baptist Church, both in New Haven.

Merna and Ted made their home in Old Saybrook, CT in 1959 where they raised their two children. They joined the First Baptist Church of Essex in 1961 and were active members of their town and church communities. Merna was an instructional aide in the school system for 15 years before retiring in 1988. In her retirement, Merna did volunteer work at organizations that were near to her heart including the Estuary Council, the Shoreline Soup Kitchen, the White Cross, the Old Saybrook Historical Society, and Church Women United.

Merna enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and being by the water. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Ted; son, Mark Colton and his wife Ann Colton; daughter, Laurie Colton Ladr; four grandchildren, Emily Colton, Nathan Colton, Karen Ladr-Finefrock (husband, Kevin Finefrock) and Andrea Ladr; and many nieces and nephews. She will be remembered by her family as a loving wife, nurturing mother, and “the best Grammy.”

Her family sends many thanks to the staff of The Saybrook at Haddam and Hospice/Palliative Care at Middlesex Hospital.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Friday, April 25 at Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook, CT. A memorial service will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, April 26 at the First Baptist Church in Essex, CT followed by a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. A private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Essex. Please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com for online tributes and condolences.