1930 – 2016

PARIS — Jean Sylvia Colby Ryder of Paris Hill passed away peacefully at home, where she wanted to be, on Monday, Sept.19, at the age of 85.

She was born in Paris on Sept. 28, 1930, a daughter of Sherman A. and Ruth S. Colby. She graduated from Paris High School in 1949, attended Colby College and graduated from the University of Maine.

She married Richard Ryder in 1951, and moved to Massachusetts, where she raised her family. She worked in hospitals, nursing homes and rest homes as a respiratory therapist and nurse’s aide. She also did private care for many years. Later, she became a licensed massage therapist, working out of her home.

She was a pianist and composed her own music and had some published. She gave lessons to her family and friends.

She moved back to Maine in 1986, and bought her home on Paris Hill. Her many interests included family history, researching herbal remedies, music, farm animals, collecting postcards, attending movies, plays and musical events, assisting family and friends with therapy, giving natural healing information, Elvis, telling stories about her life’s work, sharing old family memories and putting everyone else before herself. What an awesome lady — she was much loved and will be sorely missed.

Jean is survived by her son, Russell and wife, Ann Ryder; daughter, Corinne and husband, Glen Thibeault; grandchildren, Paula and husband, Robert, Russell Jr. and wife, Gina, Shawn and wife, Lori, Tracy and husband, Randy, Melissa, Robert and wife, Norma, Sandra, Wendy and Tina; great-grandchildren, Kenny, Justin, Damion, Amber, Trevor, Tiya, Patrick, Tyler, Joshua, Johnathan, Amanda, Christopher, Jacob, Michael, Callie, Arielle and Emilee; great-great-grandchildren, Marlie, Aria, Delilah, Sophia, Skylar, Bryce, Kaydence, Tyler and Allyson; a sister, Ethylene Chambers; brother, Richard Colby; and nieces, nephews and special friends.