Obituary of Esther M. Colby

Esther M. Harriman Colby, born February 12, 1948, age 76 of Swanville, passed peacefully at home July 7, 2024, surrounded by family and friends.

Esther was born in Belfast to Lloyd H. Harriman and Winifred L. Foy  Harriman.  The third of 6 children.  Esther to great pride in helping raise her siblings,  along with every other child in her neighborhood. 

Esther graduated from Belfast Area High School in 1966. The first class to graduate from the "New" High School. Esther told stories of waiting tables in High School,  saving her tips to take her siblings and the neighborhood children to the Dairy Joy for ice cream.  She enjoyed seeing the smiles on all their faces.  During her last years in High School she met her first husband and had two children,  whom she adored very much.

While her children were young,  Esther was employed at the Maplewood Poultry Plant until its closing.  After the closing of Maplewood,  Esther took advantage of the State of Maine's Re-training Program and became an LPN.

Esther started her nursing career at Camden Hospitals Nursing Facility.  From there,  Esther worked at several other Nursing Facilities before starting at Waldo County General Hospital on the second floor and Cardiopulmonary.  Esther ended her Nursing career in the office of Dr. Robert Weiss.

During her time in nursing,  Esther met the Love of her life,  Stanley.  Stanley and Esther married on July 2, 1982, celebrating their 42nd Anniversary just before her passing.  After their retirement,  Esther and Stanley spent as much time as they could with their family and friends. Camping and Four-Wheeling with them as often as possible.  Esther, was a tough soul! I remember one Four-Wheeling trip when she fell off the back of our Side-By-Side, breaking 3 ribs. Mom brushed it off and continued the troop so she wouldn't "Ruin Everyone's Fun!"

Esther was predeceased by her parents  Lloyd & Winifred Harriman,  an infant brother Jansen Harriman,  her son Michael Colby and step son Dana Colby. There were many, many more she loved dearly also.

Esther is survived by her husband  Stanley Colby, daughter Sherry Colby, step children Pamela Colby, David Colby and Dennis Colby. She is also survived by her grandchildren Matthew Colby, Katelyn Colby, Dylan Colby and Tiara Skillings. She also leaves behind her Great Grandchildren Emma Colby and Waverly Cooper. Esther is also survived by her siblings,  Dennis Harriman,  Marshall Harriman,  Sharon York (Ronald Watt), Jean Harriman (Leal Woods). Very special niece Kelsie Cook (Ben Gaudette) and her children Emmalia Cook, Jordyn Gaudette and Kody Gaudette, along with numerous other special nieces, nephews, grandchildren,  great grandchildren and great great grandchildren in her life.

Esther leaves behind several choose friends that she left a mark upon.  She will forever be remembered as the Shining Light In All Our Lives!!

There will be a Celebration of Life for Esther on July 27th beginning at 1pm at her family home on Oak Hill Rd in Swanville. All are welcome to attend. It will be potluck to give everyone a chance to share some of Esther's favorites made by you! The family looks forward to seeing you and hearing all of your special memories.

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