Page 1 of 1 Ruth Westphal From: "Susan White" To: "westphal ruth" Sent: Friday, June 29, 2007 12:52 PM Subject: For Emily Colby For Emily On Saturday, June 2, after a long and courageous battle against cancer, Emily Colby died peacefully at her home on Cranberry Island. Petite in stature, she met this final challenge with a strength and determination that inspired all who knew her. When Emily first moved to the Island, she worked for Beal and Bunker Boating. In a job she enjoyed, she was often the first to greet someone coming onto the island and the last to wave good-bye to others. She was also active in the Ladies Aid Society, and served as treasurer of the organization for many years. In 1999, Emily accepted a job with Janice and Creighton Murch. As the Murch's home and family grew, Emily gave new meaning to the term "multi-tasking" as she cared for the house and the children. When she could no longer perform the physical tasks her job required, she would be at the house holding the babies, John and James, and entertaining their sister, Hale, while explaining to others what needed to be done. Emily loved children, and she was never happier than when she was holding a child in her arms. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She had eight grandchildren, and always made time for them both on and off the island. Emily loved to give and receive surprises. Nothing delighted her more than a dinner for four that spontaneously morphed into a party for eight or ten or more. Chances are, if you were Emily's friend, your house is full of memories of her. She rarely came to your home without a small gift; something that reminded her of you. She loved to surprise you with a homemade cake, a pie, or a casserole. Emily loved flowers, red and pink clothes, homemade whole cranberry sauce, lobster rolls, and tacos with lettuce, onions and cheese; Hold the tomatoes please." She was devoted to her husband, Lyn, and especially enjoyed their travels together; to Florida on several occasions, to visit Susan and Chris White in Scottsville, New York, and to the Caribbean on a Cruise several years ago. She will be greatly missed and we extend deepest sympathy to Lyn, to his sisters, Eileen Richards and Renna Colby, to his brother, Blair, his mother, Gaile Colby, and to Arvard Savage. Emily will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her son, Everett Beers, his wife, Karen, and their daughter, Kari Lynne, by her son, Harry Beers, and his children, Kate Lyn, Harry, and Hope Paulos, and by her stepdaughter, Tarnya Sanborn, her husband, Reggie, and their children, Amy, Carlena, Caleb, and Justin Bunker. We send condolences to the many friends who supported Emily with flowers, cards, meals, calls, visits, and in other ways too numerous to mention. Rob Benson, of Maine Seacoast Mission, expressed our sentiments when he said that he was "especially grateful for the loving care that her family, friends, and neighbors provided for her. At Emily's request, there will be no services. If you wish to honor her, the family suggests that you perform a random act of kindness, hug a child, and/or make a donation to the charity of your choice. By Susan White, for the Mount Desert Islander, June 4, 2007 7/2/2007