Elizabeth "Betty" Colburn

Franklin - Elizabeth (Betty) Salisbury Colburn, age 80, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2015 at the Vermont Respite House in Williston.

Betty was born on March 10, 1935 in Morrisville, VT to the late Jack C. Salisbury and Margaret H. Salisbury.

Betty graduated from Johnson State College in 1963 and soon joined the St. Albans Town Elementary School as first and later second grade teacher. Her passion in life was being surrounded by children, whether it was her own, taking her kids friends under her wings, or the hundreds of beloved first and second graders she taught for over 30 years. She had a great sense of humor and loved being surrounded by those she held most dear in her life. Once retired she found a piece of heaven in Clearwater, FL and split her time between FL and Lake Carmi, Franklin, VT where she could indulge her other passions in antiquing, tending her flowers, sewing and knitting.

Betty was predeceased by her daughter, Diane, in 1972. She is survived by her children, Cindy Peace and her husband Bill of Lawrenceburg, IN, Carey Colburn of Hanover, NH, Terry Colburn of Martinsburg, WV, Karen Merrill of Miami, FL, Michael Colburn and his wife Nancy of Indianapolis, IN, and Amy Trahan and her husband Kevin of Swanton, VT, and her grandchildren, Jeremie Peace, John Colburn, Sam Colburn, Jack Colburn, Claire Colburn, Deanna Trahan, and Matthew Merrill.

She is also survived by her brother Jack H. Salisbury of Bainbridge, GA.

Calling hours will be held at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2015 at the Franklin United Church, 5414 Main St., Franklin with the Rev. Jason McConnell officiating. Interment will be held later this spring at Hillside Cemetery in Richford.

For those who wish, contributions in Bettys memory may be made to Haston Library, P.O. Box 82, Franklin, VT 05457 or Franklin United Church, P.O. Box 84, Franklin, VT 05457.