October 14, 1934 – July 28, 2020
It is with much sadness that we share the news that longtime Warren resident Nancy McBride Colby passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, with family at her side.
The daughter of Helen (Roberts) and Henry McBride, Nancy Ann was a fifth generation Vermonter who was raised on the family’s dairy farm in South Hero. After graduating from Burlington High School she married Lambert Jerome “Jerry” Aske Jr. and resided on Shelburne Point where they raised their three children, Wendy, Karen and Eric. In the 1960s, the family built a ski home in the Mad River Valley and Nancy instilled a love of the mountains and skiing in her children from an early age. For several years they lived in Jeffersonville, where Nancy became a ski instructor.
Nancy had energy and enthusiasm to spare. She was the kind of mother who ferried her kids to ballet, horseback riding lessons, band practice and Little League. Her grandchildren recall how she would help stage elaborate backyard productions with intricate costumes she had fashioned out of the bottomless dress-up collection in the basement or take them on adventurous hikes and picnics.
In 1976, Nancy married Theron “Tom” Colby, residing in East Warren where their large and cherished circle of family and friends has grown steadily ever since. A special shout-out goes to their core posse, The Geezers -- you know who you are.
Those who knew Nancy, and recently shared their sympathies with her family, all touched upon the same themes -- that she was a very energetic soul who led a life brimming with countless friendships, activities, accomplishments and, most importantly, laughter. A close friend summed up some of those attributes beautifully: Nancy was an instigator -- a devil, a party girl, a generous friend and a people magnet. She irritatingly forgot nothing, had instant recall of old jokes, humorous situations, intricate love triangles, the names of friends’ children and their ages. In addition, she was smart! She was good at cards. She could write full sentences backwards, forwards and in mirror image using either hand. She could play a brass instrument.
Amongst other things too numerous to list, Nancy was a Warren selectman, a justice of the peace, a notary public, a real estate broker and volunteer and donor to a multitude of meaningful causes.
Nancy was not one to sit back and observe life; she was a world class traveler who lived life to the fullest. From the Arctic Circle to Antarctica, The Galapagos to New Zealand, Nancy had a thirst for adventure -- there was nowhere too far or inconvenient. She greatly enjoyed gardening, admiring and supporting the arts, devouring literally thousands of NYT crossword puzzles and novels. From her loyal aqua aerobics following to her book club and bridge group, she was a woman who thrived on friendship and keeping active. And nothing made Nancy happier than hosting large gatherings of family and friends for delicious holiday feasts or the annual distribution of hundreds of Christmas cookies. She made over a dozen different varieties each year -- we all had our favorites!
Nancy is survived by her husband Theron “Tom” Colby of Warren, VT; children Susan “Wendy” (Aske) Brauer of Warren, VT, Karen (Aske) and husband Tim Simmons of Norfolk, UK, Eric Aske and wife Sara-Inés (Fariña von Buchwald) of Boston, MA; grandchildren Lauren (Tompkin) and husband Crawford Appleby of Los Angeles, CA, Charles Tompkin of Shelburne, VT, Charlotte (Simmons) and husband Peter Reynolds of Kendal, UK, Ellen (Simmons) and husband Philipp Hamann of Cologne, DE, William Simmons of London, UK, Magnus Aske of Boston, MA; great-grandchildren Ruby and Isla Hamann and William Appleby. She is also survived by her siblings Susan Crowley of South Hero, VT, and Henry McBride Jr. of Climax, NC, as well as cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother William McBride.
In keeping with Nancy’s wishes, her family looks forward to a celebration in her honor when it is safe to do so. Until we can all be together in person and give Nancy the very big toast she deserves, please know that the outpouring of sympathies to the entire family has been overwhelming, heartwarming and very much appreciated.
We loved your legendary spirit, Mom -- and so did The Valley!
In lieu of flowers, a donation to Central VT Home Health & Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641 (www.cvhhh.org) would be greatly appreciated. The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.
