Jane Richards Colihan
WILTON, Conn. – Jane Richards Colihan passed away on Feb. 11, 2023, at her home in Wilton, Conn. Jane was born and raised in Augusta, the daughter of the late Dr. Lee W. Richards Jr. and Mary E. Ryan. She attended St. Michaels College in Colchester, Vt., graduating in 1978. She spent her junior year abroad in Madrid, Spain, where she developed her enduring love of Spain, Spanish culture and international travel.
After college, Jane worked at Delta Air Lines for several years, where she pursued her passion for foreign travel and cultures. She met Jim Colihan in 1981 and the couple were married on Islesboro in the fall of 1985 despite the onslaught of Hurricane Gloria, which shut down the Maine State Ferry Service and nearly forced the wedding to be cancelled. The couple initially lived in New York City, N.Y. and then moved to Wilton in 1994, where they raised their four children.
Jane was an exceptional person in so many ways, as reflected in the interests she pursued, the lifelong friends she made and the rich life she led. Jane’s extensive travels took her from the Great Wall of China, to a safari in Kenya, to a hiking trek up Machu Picchu in Peru, to name just a few. But her fondest destination was always her beloved Spain, especially hiking along the Camino de Santiago, where she spoke Spanish with fellow “pellegrinos.” Jane was also active in the local Spanish-speaking community in Connecticut, serving as a long-time volunteer at Caroline House in Bridgeport, Conn. helping migrant women assimilate into the community. She also maintained a cherished relationship with the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Wilton. The annual Christmas parties she hosted for the Sisters in her home were the highlight of the Christmas season for those who attended. An avid cyclist, Jane participated in the Trek Across Maine and loved to bike around Islesboro with her family and friends.
On a personal level, Jane had a reflexive generosity and a natural interest, empathy and love for others that earned her many strong and enduring friendships. People loved to be Jane’s friend. She was always “Plain Jane from Maine.” But with her radiant beauty and smile, she could be as stunning and glamorous as any model. In reality, Jane was not so “plain” — she was special.
But Jane saved her greatest talents for her role as matriarch of her beloved family. She brought unparalleled wisdom, wit and grace to the art of parenting and her legacy lives on in the beautiful family she raised.
In addition her husband, she leaves behind four children and three grandchildren, including Katherine Scott (Tom), Charlie and Grace Scott of Darien, Conn.; Leigh Colihan (Pat Czorniak) and Annie Czorniak of Charlestown, Mass.; and John Colihan and Jimmy Colihan of New York City, N.Y. She also leaves behind her siblings, including Janet Dupuy of Prescott Valley, Ariz., Judy Angle of Searsmont, Buddy Richards of Augusta and Marybeth Schmidt of Islesboro; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Burial arrangements will take place on Islesboro at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jane’s name to the
School Sisters of Notre Dame, Development Office,
345 Belden Hill Rd.,
Wilton, CT 06897
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