Obituary of Avis F. Colby

Peabody, MA. – Avis (Ronayne) Colby RN, 96, of Brooksby Village and formerly Marblehead and Eastham, MA, beloved wife of Edward Colby passed away peacefully on February 15th, 2021. Avis was born and raised in Lynn, MA starting in 1924. She graduated from Lynn Classical in 1942 and Lynn Hospital School of Nursing 1946. She is the mother of Stephen Colby (wife Jane) of Oak Creek, CO and Tom Colby (wife Cecily) of Marblehead, MA and a loving grandmother of three, Alex Colby of Oak Creek, CO; Matthew Colby of Hampton, NH; and Lauren Colby (fiancé Craig Lee) of Salem, MA. Avis was a practicing nurse for many years working at local hospitals and nursing homes. Avis was preceded in death by her parents, Franklin and Avis Ronayne, three sisters, Florence and Mary Ronayne, Gladys Teal, and her husband of 55 years, Edward Colby. Avis raised her family in Marblehead and after she and Ed retired, they moved to Eastham, Ma in 1985.Together they enjoyed all the Cape had to offer, had many wonderful years and made numerous close friendships. Her children and grandchildren visited often and will cherish forever the memories made there. Avis was active in numerous church and community organizations including the Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary, Eastham United Methodist Church and the Eastham Chapter of P.E.O Sisterhood. Avis was truly a beautiful person inside and out. To know her was a true blessing. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a dear friend to all she came in contact with. She loved life, saw the best in everyone and approached every day with courage, strength and a positive attitude that was marveled by all. Beyond her numerous volunteer organizations she loved to garden, read and follow the Red Sox, Patriots and her favorite,Tom Brady. She managed her schedule around their games and supported them through good and bad seasons. Avis will be missed by all her family and many friends at Brooksby Village and the Cape. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, funeral services will be private. The family is planning a memorial service this spring with details to follow. Avis had challenges in later years with macular degeneration and was very thankful to the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Donations may be made in her name to the following links. https://www.mabvi.org/donate/