Obituaries

Mary (Molly) Elizabeth Regan Colt passed away peacefully on January 4, 2018 with her oldest son by her side and dedicated staff members from Old Hundred and Hospicare. Molly was born on December 9, 1927 to William and Celia Regan in Morristown, NJ. Anyone who ever had the privilege of knowing or interacting with her would agree that Molly was one of the most gentle, caring, loving, beautiful, and understanding woman to ever walk this earth. 

As a child, Molly lived in several different communities because of her father's professional career. She graduated from Morristown High School in 1945 and entered the College of St. Elizabeth, graduating in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History Education. Molly began her high school teaching career in Richfield Springs, NY. Later she relocated to Lansing, NY to teach History at Lansing High School where she met a fellow teaching colleague who would become her future husband. On August 22, 1953 Molly married James P. Colt in Wellsville, NY and they spent 63 years faithfully supporting each other.

Molly was a devout Catholic and a long-time parishioner at All Saints Church. She prayed daily and read scripture. After her three children were born, she chose to be a stay-at-home mother. Molly was actively involved with their adventures and activities from scouts to 4-H, and a variety of sports, always encouraging them to do their best. To this day, her adult children, other family members, and friends have never heard her say a negative comment about anyone or anything. Molly returned to work outside the home when her children became independent as an elementary library aide with the Lansing Central School District. Many of Molly's former high school students have fond memories of her as one of their favorite teachers. The elementary students appreciated her enthusiasm, patience, guidance, and assistance while they selected just the right book to sign out and read.

Her greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with her family and their pets. Molly liked to read, bowl, golf, travel, tap dance, watch musical productions, sew, and bird-watch in her spare time. She made the best homemade pies from scratch using apples from the large tree in their front lawn.

Molly is survived by her children, Stephen (Ann) Colt, Susan (Donald) Worsell, Jeffrey (Nancy) Colt, grandchildren, Thomas (Jessica Sawchuk) Colt, Joshua (Jessica) Reinhart, Megan (Cory) VanNederynen, J. Hunter (Christina) Colt, Samuel Colt, and great grandchildren, Jonathan, Jacob, and Hunter. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Lloyd Williams, and several nieces and nephews. Molly was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Jim.

A very special thank you to the dedicated staff members from Classen Home Health Associates for their tender care and support. Molly had the wonderful opportunity to move to Old Hundred one year ago and it was the perfect home for her. 

As per Molly's request, services will be private with burial to take place at a later date beside her husband at Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Romulus, NY.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Foodnet Meals-on-Wheels, 2422 N. Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.