FARMINGDALE – Rowena ‘Lee” Colby passed away July 12, 2004 at her home in Farmingdale, surrounded by her family and friends after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born May 8, 1961, in Lincoln. She was a graduate of Mattanawcook Academy, Class of 1979, a resident of both Mattawamkeag, and Farmingdale. Lee thoroughly enjoyed cooking in the Northern Woods of Maine, while working for W.T. Gardner and Sons. She also caringly touched many lives while working at the Augusta Mental Health Institution as a mental health worker for many years. Lee enjoyed traveling, visiting family, friends and an occasional casino. She loved sharing books, long conversations, quick wit and warm humor. Lee was known for her love of singing country music, for being a talented storyteller and for her devotion to family. She was admired for being able to turn any dwelling into a warm and welcoming home. She was a trusted confidante and always a shoulder to lean on. She had a gift of common sense and knew how to give second chances and a sincere embrace. “Put down your arm my darling … rest.” She will be sadly missed by “her son, Copper”; her parents, Omer John Colby and Norma (Tripp) Colby of Mattawamkeag; her grandmother, Rowena Colby of Mattawamkeag; sisters, Sandra and Rod Forrey of Augusta, Andrea and Keith Lufkin of Farmingdale, Karen and Tom McCutcheon of Augusta, Carrie and Danny Cram of East Millinocket; one brother, Omer John Jr. and Karin Colby of Richmond; sisters and brothers by love, Stacie and Rob Elliott of Gardiner, Jeannine and Buddy Gardiner of Lincoln, Diane Lavigne and Gary of Augusta, Joan Griffin of Augusta; nieces and nephews, Jessie, Kari, Chelsea, Shane, Brandon and Colby; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A memorial graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Health Reach Hospice, P.O. Box 829, Waterville, ME 04903 or American Cancer Society, One Maine St., Suite 3, Topsham, ME 04086. Arrangements are under the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner.
ROWENA ‘LEE’ COLBY
