WESTFIELD – Janice A. (Duffus) Colby, 75, died Wednesday, January 16, 2013 in Baystate Medical Center. She was born in Northampton, MA on May 31, 1937 to the late William and Olga (Mimitz) Duffus.She grew up in Northampton and attended local schools and was a graduate of Northampton High School. She worked at the Hotel Northampton then moved to Coronado, CA while her husband, Jack, finished out his military service. She moved to Easthampton and then Buffalo Grove, IL continuing to raise her children, before settling in Westfield for the past 42 years. Janice assisted her husband in their businesses, the Colby Co. & Damon Precision in West Springfield for many years. After retirement she worked part-time for Hallmark at the Westfield Stop & Shop. She enjoyed spending time walking the beach and shopping at her summer home in Wells, ME. Her laughter and good spirits will be missed greatly by her family and friends.
Janice leaves her beloved husband of 55 years, Jack E. Colby; her children, Ronald Colby and his companion Brenda Dane of West Springfield, Scott Colby and his companion Amy Neumann of Westfield and Brad Colby and his wife Tammy of Westfield; and her brother, William C. Duffus Jr. of Northampton. Janice also leaves her grandchildren, Mary Jackson, Christopher and Samantha Colby, Kaitlyn and Emily Colby; her great-grandchildren Braden and Kelsi and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. She was predeceased by her brother, Donald A. Duffus in 1998.
The funeral for Janice will be held on Monday, January 21st at 7:00 p.m. from the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. Calling hours will be held on Monday before the service from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Burial will be private.
Donations in memory of Janice may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.
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