Joan O. Colby

Joan (Osgood) Colby, 81, of Manchester, beloved wife of the late Arthur R. Colby, passed away peacefully, January 2, 2015 at her home with her family at her side. Joan was born June 29, 1933 in Stamford, daughter of the late Harold A. Osgood Sr. and Velma (Hepworth) Osgood and had lived most of her life in Manchester. She attended local schools and was a 1951 Graduate of Manchester High School. Joan was a very compassionate person and had worked with special needs children and adults throughout her life. Joan played a big part to the children in need of special care at Newington Children's Hospital as a bus driver with First Student and with M.A.R.C. Inc. as a resident assistant and she never missed a day of work, "no matter what". She was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Society in Manchester. She is survived by two daughters, Deborah J. Wilson of Manchester, Cindy S. Arel and her husband Michael Arel also of Manchester, her son Gary R. Colby and his wife Denise of Columbia, she also leaves seven grandchildren, Joanne Knapp and her husband Michael , James Arel, Jody Arel, Michael Arel Jr. all of Manchester, Allison Colby, Gary R. Colby Jr. and his wife Christine all of Florida, Matthew Colby and his wife Danielle of Lebanon, seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Joan was predeceased by four brothers and a sister. Services will be held Friday January 9, 2015 at the Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester. Calling hours will be held Friday January 9, 2015 from 9 - 11 am at the funeral home with a funeral service to take place at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in the East Cemetery Manchester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to M.A.R.C. Inc. of Manchester, 151 Sheldon Rd., Manchester, CT. 06042. To sign the online register book go to www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com .

Visitation DetailsFriday, January 9th, 2015 9:00am - 11:00amService DetailsFriday, January 9th, 2015 11:00amInterment DetailsEast Cemetery