Obituary for Elby Iris Colon Elby Iris Colón, 68, New Britain, passed away on November 19, 2018 surrounded by her loving daughters. Born in Manhattan, NY, daughter of the late Edelmiro and Gracia (Caban) Colón, Elby has been a New Britain resident since 1970. She was employed at the Hospital For Special Care for 32 years, retiring in 2017.
Elby was a matriarch devoted to her family and best known for casting her net of love far and wide. She enjoyed spending time with her family, dancing, cooking and making the very best rice and beans not even her daughters could replicate. Elby’s grandchildren enjoyed her fluffy crumbled buttery pancakes, soup and her wise cracking humor.
She was an energy conservator reminding all who left the lights on in an unused room that she wasn’t married to Con Edison (an electric company from her childhood). Elby made long lasting relationships, often bridging people of diverse backgrounds together. She didn’t hesitate to end a squabble with, “Hey, we all bleed red!
” and “Stop, while you’re ahead! ” Elby traveled to her Florida family calling it her second home, she is revered as the favorite aunt, but don’t tell the others, perhaps it was due to her spunk, fiery come backs or her monetary gifts, “just a little something” she managed to leave her nieces and nephews. She loved unconditionally and shared her wisdom to encourage those dear to her that even in the toughest of times it was important to remain optimistic, because things will get better.
Elby is survived by her three daughters, Myra (González) Rivera and her husband Jaime of West Hartford; Elby González-Schwapp and her husband Alvin Schwapp of Simsbury; and Keilani (Ramirez) Strickland and her husband Christopher of Newington; two sisters, Grace Colón Rivera and her husband Alex of Kissimmee, FL; and Minerva (Colón) Ramirez and her husband Ralph of North Port, FL; and 6 grandchildren, Javed, Alexis and Maya Schwapp, Alyssa Rivera, Christopher and Jaiden Nunez and baby Strickland due in April. She was predeceased by her parents; two brothers, Edelmiro Colón Jr. and Wilfredo Colón; a sister, Irma Cruz and a grandson, Johnny Ray Molina. A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held on Saturday, November 24, 2018, 2 to 4 PM at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 296 New Britain Ave, Newington.
Burial will be private for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Speedystrong Health Awareness Fund c/o Elby Schwapp at Northwest Community Bank 101 Simsbury Road, Avon, CT 06001. Funds will be used to promote health awareness targeting minority health.
The Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www. carlsonfuneralhome.com To send a memorial gift to the family of Elby Iris Colon please visit our Sympathy Store.
Cemetery Details Private CT, , Previous Events Celebration of Life NOV 24.
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