Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society - The Villages
https://baldwincremation.com
Colbert, Maria Lanza, formerly of Albany, NY, died peacefully on April 18, 2021 at home in The Villages, FL, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Don A. Colbert. Devoted mother of Brian and his wife Connaught; Craig and his partner Jonathan. Cherished grandmother of Gavin and Cameron. She will be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends, including her lifelong "sisters" Frances Blendell and Josephine Recupero.
Maria was born to Frances Restifo and Joseph Lanza on Myrtle Avenue, and as anyone who met her for the first time would immediately come to learn, Maria was so proud of her Italian heritage. She attended Cathedral Academy and received an Associate's Degree from Albany Business College.
In 1960, she began dating a persistent boy (Don) from the neighborhood. After escorting her home, Don would go to Ray's Tavern next door and play the song "Time After Time" on the jukebox. Maria would listen to it from her bathroom window. In 1961, during their engagement, Don was drafted in to the Army, and their marriage was delayed for two years.
Although, she worked at the United Cerebral Palsy Center, the Senior Services Center of Albany and as a Prudential real estate agent in her second career, Maria's proudest accomplishments in life were her two boys and two grandsons.
In 2014 after being snowbirds for more than a decade, they moved officially to The Villages. Her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer five years ago didn't stop them. They continued to sing and dance under the stars and make us all laugh.
A memorial mass was held in The Villages on April 21. Donations can be made in Maria's name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org).
LINKS
The Villages Daily Sun - Memoriams
http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com
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