Mary Colby

Madison - Mary P. "Polly" Colby, age 71, died on Sunday June 17, 2012 in Madison. She was born on May 19, 1941, in New York, the daughter of Stephen B.L. Penrose II and Margaret Penrose.

Polly's most cherished role was that of mother and grandmother. She was extremely proud of her children: William (Binks), Fredrick (Rick) and Stephen (Steve).

Polly enjoyed learning throughout her whole life and that passion was extremely obvious in her years as a History teacher at Madison West High School. She hoped to leave her students with a sense of pride in themselves, not just that they could pass a test. To her, knowledge was a journey, not something that was always quantifiable. She found great joy when former students would contact her to share their success stories.

History, both of the world and of her family was of great interest to her. She spent many hours in her retirement learning and documenting her extended family's histories. She was extremely interested to see the influences of her family as it went back through generations. She spent many hours reviewing family photos, letters, and papers both in her possession as well as those found in the National Archives.

Polly was an active volunteer until health issues became more predominant. She was a tour guide for the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, WI; worker at the Hospice Thrift Store in Madison, WI; and tour guide and usher at the Overture Center in Madison, WI.

She is preceded into death by her parents, Margaret Shipman Penrose and Stephen B.L. Penrose II and her sister-in-law Elenore Penrose. She is survived by her three sons, Binks (Judy) Colby-George, Rick Colby, and Steve (Genny) Colby; three grandchildren; her sister, Dale Harrell; her brother, Stephen B.L. Penrose III; many nieces and nephews, a large extended family and a large circle of friends.