Kathleen A. Colby

Grafton - Kathleen Anne Colby, 74, passed away on August 5, 2023 after a long illness.

Kathy was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and moved to Newport, NH when she was young. She was precocious and loved animals, especially horses. In high school, she met her life-time friend Missy Bagley. Kathy graduated third in her class.

Kathy had a delightful personality and was always a hard worker. She started working at Newport Hospital in the medical records department at 18. She then moved to the Upper Valley and worked at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH as an analyst. She worked for DHMC for over 40 years.

In the early 1980s, Kathy met her beloved husband, Edward Colby. Together, they enjoyed the beauty and solitude of Grafton, and gardening was a favorite pastime. Kathy especially enjoyed growing day lilies and irises. Occasionally they would also kayak on the beautiful ponds in Grafton. They were active in a group that rescued Siamese cats from down South, and they often adopted abused and unwanted Siamese cats. Kathy also found peace and pride in her paintings, which were mostly of flowers.

Kathy always cherished time spent with family.  She is survived by her stepdaughters Justine McLaughlin and her husband David of West Lebanon, NH and Yvette Fontaine and her husband Brian of Sidney, Maine, four step grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren, her brother Gregory Towne and his wife Michele Cyr of Barrington R.I., her brother Jay Towne and his wife Erica of Bow, NH, and numerous nephews and nieces. Kathy was pre-deceased by her parents, Bernard Paul and Barbara Ellen Towne, and brothers Brian and Bernard, Jr.

A private graveside service will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery in Grafton at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Upper Valley Humane Society, PO Box 789, Lebanon, NH 03766. The Roan Family Funeral Home in Pembroke is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.roanfamilyfuneral.com