Mathilda “Tillie” Colby Obituary May 20, 2026
Death Announcement
It is with profound sadness and loving remembrance that we announce the passing of Mathilda “Tillie” Colby, who went home peacefully on May 20, 2026, at the age of 87. Tillie passed away surrounded by her family at her home in Madison, Wisconsin.
Mathilda “Tillie” Colby will be remembered as a radiant soul whose kindness, gentle spirit, and unwavering faith touched every life she encountered. Known for her warm smile, generous heart, and remarkable ability to make others feel loved and valued, Tillie lived a life of quiet grace and deep devotion to family and community.
Life & Career
Born on April 12, 1939, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Mathilda Rose Colby was the beloved daughter of Swedish immigrants who instilled in her the values of hard work, faith, and compassion. She grew up in a large, close-knit family where laughter filled the home and helping others was a way of life. After graduating from East High School, Tillie trained as a registered nurse at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing.
For more than 35 years, Tillie served as a dedicated nurse, first in pediatric care and later in community health. She was known for her gentle bedside manner, her ability to comfort frightened children and worried parents, and her commitment to treating every patient with dignity and respect. Colleagues often said that Tillie brought light into the room even on the most difficult days. She retired in 1998 but continued volunteering at local clinics and senior centers for many years afterward.
Tillie was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and organized countless fellowship events and meal trains for families in need. She had a passion for gardening, baking traditional Swedish cookies and breads, and knitting blankets for newborns and those in need. Her home was always open to family and friends, and her holiday tables were legendary for their warmth and abundance.
With a quick wit and a loving heart, Tillie found joy in the simple things — morning coffee on the porch, conversations with neighbors, and watching her grandchildren play.
Family Members
Mathilda “Tillie” Colby is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Harold Eugene Colby, who was her best friend and constant companion. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to lifelong love, partnership, and mutual respect.
She is lovingly remembered by her four children:
- Karen Marie Colby Johnson (and husband Steven) of Madison, Wisconsin
- David Harold Colby (and wife Lisa) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Susan Elizabeth Colby Reynolds (and husband Mark) of Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Paul Andrew Colby (and wife Jennifer) of Chicago, Illinois
Tillie was the proud and cherished grandmother of twelve grandchildren and great-grandmother to five little ones. She took immense joy in attending school concerts, baking with her grandchildren, and sharing stories of her Swedish heritage. To her family, she was the heart of the home — a source of wisdom, comfort, and unconditional love.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Anders and Ingrid Nilsson, and her older sister, Eleanor Nilsson Berg.
Funeral Details
A Celebration of Life service for Mathilda “Tillie” Colby will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 South Owen Drive, Madison, Wisconsin. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.
Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society, organizations dear to Tillie’s heart.
Tribute Message
Mathilda “Tillie” Colby lived a life that reflected the best of humanity — gentle yet strong, humble yet impactful. She taught us that love is shown through small, consistent acts of kindness, that faith provides strength in every season, and that family is the greatest treasure we are given.
Even as she faced health challenges in her later years, Tillie remained grateful, graceful, and full of quiet joy. She often reminded her loved ones to “be kind, work hard, and trust in God.” Her presence brought comfort and her laughter brought light. The many lives she touched — as a nurse, friend, mother, and grandmother — stand as a living legacy of her beautiful spirit.
Tillie’s love will continue to echo through generations, in the values she passed on and the memories her family will treasure forever.
Condolence Section
The Colby family warmly invites relatives, friends, and community members to share memories, stories, and words of comfort below. Your tributes will provide great solace to Harold and the entire family as they celebrate Tillie’s remarkable life.
A Message from the Family “Thank you for the love, prayers, and beautiful memories you have shared during this time. Mom’s greatest joy was her family and her faith. We are comforted knowing how many lives she blessed and how deeply she will be missed.”
May Mathilda “Tillie” Colby rest in eternal peace and heavenly joy. Her memory will forever be a blessing and a gentle light in the hearts of all who loved her.
