A Celebration of Life for Dorothy will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at Igy's Bar & Grill, 522 W. Mill Street, Withee, WI, from 1pm until 5pm

 

     On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, Dorothy Mae Colby, 71, passed away in the comfort of her home with loved ones surrounding her.  She courageously battled cancer for the past year, but finally succumbed to the fatal illness. 

     Dorothy was born November 1, 1951 to Joseph J. and Florence M. (Prokopiak) Twarowski in Chippewa Falls, WI.  She was raised in the Owen-Withee area and grew up on the family farm with two sisters.  Dorothy was a graduate of Owen-Withee High School in 1969.  She met her husband of 51 years in the same town, got married and started her own family.  She worked at Master Package for several years before becoming a CNA at the Clark County Health Care Center for 30+ years, from which she retired. 

     Dorothy had the biggest heart and was filled with so much compassion.  She touched the lives of everyone lucky enough to know her.  She enjoyed being a social butterfly and at times one could say a bit gossipy.  Dorothy was strong-willed and stubborn, but these traits defined her.  She was a fighter and made an impact on everyone who knew her.  She liked to have family get togethers, frost Christmas cookies with the family, attend Red-Hats gatherings and grandchildren’s sports games, shopping, scrolling through her Facebook (although not always knowing what she was “liking” or writing), meeting up with friends, trying all of Dylan’s new dishes, and dressing up for Halloween to hand out candy to the trick or treaters.  She was a great friend and the most thoughtful person you could meet, but what Dorothy loved most was being a grandma and caring for her grandchildren, no matter what age.  She will be missed by all. 

     Even during Dorothy’s most difficult times throughout the past year, she stayed strong and started living by the moto “It will all work out.”  She believed in the power of prayer and that there is a time and reason for everything. 

     Dorothy is survived by two sisters: Sandra (Ron) Amidon, and Patsy Fudala. She will forever be remembered by her daughters: Stacey (Kevin) Purdy, Kelley (Jason) Hanson, and Shanna Nernberger.  She will be cherished and always remembered as “Beema” to her grandchildren: Dylan Hanson, Lexi and Damian Nernberger. 

     Dorothy is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Brad Colby, who will be waiting for her with open arms at heaven’s gate.  She is also preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-law: Gary Fudala; her son-in-law: Neil Nernberger; and her precious dog, Zsa-Zsa (her fourth daughter). 

     Dorothy’s wishes were to be cremated and have a small, family only service which will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023.  Following that service, the family will be having a Celebration of Life for Dorothy at Igy’s Bar and Grill, in Withee, WI, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm, which will be open to anyone that knew Dorothy.