Obituary of Jean Colby

Ivy Jean Colby June 13, 1927 - Aug. 10, 2012, Resident of Santa Cruz Ivy Jean Colby peacefully passed away with family at her side on August 10, 2012. She was born June 13, 1927 in Coventry, England. During WWII she met George Colby, who was with the U.S. Army, and they married Nov. 3, 1945. As a war bride she came to America aboard the Queen Mary on Easter Sunday of 1946. She always felt blessed to call Santa Cruz her home. Jean was a wonderful gracious lady, loved by family, friends and neighbors. She always offered visitors a cup of tea and for the four legged visitors, a doggie biscuit. Her dog, Tinkerbell, brought her much joy and was a favorite at the local dog park. Jean loved being active and lived a very rich and involved life. Jean was an avid Giants fan and rarely missed a game. She loved entertaining, spending time with family, and caring for her flowers. She also enjoyed her job as a waitress at both Brookdale and the Miramar. She belonged to the Daughters of the British Empire, and was a Grand Chief Officer of the Pythian Sisters. Her wish had been to live out her life in Santa Cruz and would have wanted to express her gratitude to all of her neighbors and friends for their friendship, love, visits, meals; and Michael and her family for their compassionate care in her final weeks. Jean (AKA Ducky) was proceeded in death by her husband George Colby after 61 years of marriage, and by her granddaughter, Nadine. She is survived by her three children: Gloria Mark, Gary Colby, Ron Colby, and by five grandchildren: Joni, Jennifer, Colin, Troy and Ronnie, and six great grandchildren: Josh, Amber, Jordan, Melinda, Ashlyn and Aubrey. A Memorial Service to celebrate Jean's life will be held in her backyard at 1:00 pm on Thursday, August 16th, at 933 Windham Street. Please come prepared to share a favorite memory or saying of Jean's, and join us for a cup of British tea if you wish. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online to Hospice of Santa Cruz at www.hospicesantacruz.org