Barbara "Regehr" Colby

WOODBRIDGE - Barbara (Regehr) Colby, age 81, beloved wife of Jonathan T. Colby, died peacefully on the morning of February 5, 2026, with her family by her side. Barbara lived life with a brave heart and relentless passion for her family, her community, science, the arts, and her dogs.

Born on April 9, 1944, in Memel, East Prussia, she was the sixth of seven children born to Gerhard and Helene (Schulz) Regehr. As an infant, her mother courageously gathered her children and fled their homeland amid wartime upheaval. Traveling by foot, boat, and train, the family eventually found refuge in an uncle's home in Hamburg, Germany, where Barbara grew up.

Her siblings remembered that she always had a twinkle in her eye and a warmth that drew people to her. As a child she was athletic and adventurous (avid soccer player and skier) and she cherished family vacations to the island of Sylt. She loved learning and, in her twenties, faced a defining crossroads: she could pursue a creative path in fashion design or follow her scientific interests. Choosing science, she studied hematology and tropical diseases at the University of Hamburg.

In 1967, her work provided an opportunity to relocate to New Haven, Connecticut, to join Yale University's Tropical Disease Institute to conduct research on sickle cell anemia. With trunk packed and ticket in hand, she crossed the Atlantic by ship, beginning the next great chapter of her life. Soon after arriving, a kismet introduction led her to Jonathan Colby, the love of her life. They married in December 1970 and made their home first in Bethany and then in Woodbridge, where they lived for the past 50 years, sharing 55 devoted years of marriage.

Together they raised two daughters, Christina Colby (Jon O'Keefe) of Orange, CT, and Amanda McSharry (Jay McSharry) of Portsmouth, NH. Barbara embraced motherhood with boundless creativity and dedication. Their home was often alive with crafts and art projects, accompanied by the steady whir of her sewing machine.. A gifted knitter and seamstress, she created many of her daughters' most treasured outfits-from childhood favorites like the "cookie dress" to ninth-grade dance dresses, prom gowns, and even a wedding dress. Though many admired her impeccable sense of style, few realized how often her clothing was of her own design and making.

Barbara's interests and talents extended well beyond her home. She was deeply involved in the Woodbridge community, serving in leadership and volunteer roles with the Garden Club of Woodbridge, the Friends of the Woodbridge Library, the Women's Fellowship at the First Church of Christ in Woodbridge, and numerous school organizations at Beecher and Amity and even coached Amanda's youth softball team-despite cheerfully admitting she didn't quite know the rules. She was present and enthusiastic in every stage of her daughters' lives.

In later years, Barbara transformed her lifelong love of textiles and design into a professional role as a textile and interior designer with Alma Slade Designs at The Barn in Bridgeport. She retired in 2004 to spend more time with her growing family and Jonathan, often visiting family abroad, cruising the Caribbean and weekends at their home in Sunapee, New Hampshire.

Barbara had a true gift for conversation. She delighted in striking up conversations with strangers and friends alike. If she heard German spoken nearby, she would invariably introduce herself and soon know the speaker's life story. Her curiosity, warmth, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel valued.

She loved having dogs as part of the family and was an avid hiker, frequently accompanied by her beloved border collies, Fala and Pippin.

In 2009, Barbara suffered a stroke that left her with profound aphasia. Though her speech was limited, her spirit and ability to connect never faded. Through expressive eyes, gestures, and her radiant smile, she communicated love and recognition. She never forgot a face and would light up upon seeing friends and family, greeting them with unmistakable joy.

In addition to her husband Jonathan and her daughters, Barbara is survived by her cherished grandsons: Henry and Willem Colby, and Finnian and James "Charlie" McSharry; her brother Manfred Regehr of Limburg, Germany; her sisters Margrit Cornils of Heist, Germany, and Helgard Bachmann of Munich, Germany; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Renate, her brothers Rainer and Heinrich, and her beloved border collies, Fala and Pippin.

A celebration of Barbara's life will be held at The First Church of Christ Woodbridge CT, 5 Meetinghouse Lane on Saturday, April 11th at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Woodbridge Parks Association at www.woodbridgepark.org. The Ralph E. Hull Funeral Home, 161 W. Church St. Seymour, CT 06483 has been entrusted with her arrangements.

Barbara's life was marked by courage, intellect, creativity, and deep devotion. She will be remembered for the twinkle in her eye, her endless conversations, the whir of her sewing machine, her steadfast love of family, and the brave heart with which she embraced every chapter of her remarkable life.