Isobel Colson née Lockwood, 87, of Belford, passed away peacefully at Riverview Medical Center.
She is survived by her husband, Richard “Dick” Colson of Belford, their children, Sharon Trautvetter of California, Richard “Rick” Colson (Charlotte) of Aberdeen, Daniel “Dan” Colson (Patricia) of Middletown and son-in-law Tom Walzer of Edmonds, Washington.
She was a beloved grandmother to Scott Colson, Andrea (Rich) Rivera, Benjamin Walzer and Jonathan (Kysa) Walzer, and great-grandmother to Jack and Satine Colson.
Isobel was predeceased by her daughter, Kathryn “Kathy” Walzer, and sisters Audrey Lockwood, Harriet (William) Spaven and Frances (Robert) Hand.
Born in Perth Amboy, Isobel graduated from Leonardo High School in 1955 and married her high school sweetheart, Dick. She worked as a business manager for Colson Enterprises in Port Monmouth, Sano Reclamation Company, NJ Bell and as a caregiver throughout Monmouth County.
A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Isobel cherished family summers at the beach, the Finger Lakes, and camping along the Eastern Seaboard. She loved to travel, visiting the 1964 World’s Fair, Expo 67 in Montreal, and Walt Disney World. She explored destinations from Hawaii to Norway and enjoyed adventures like helicopter flights over Niagara Falls and coal mine tours in Maryland.
Isobel was a passionate gardener, canner and host of large family gatherings. She was known for her impromptu lobster feasts and Christmas baking. An animal lover, she welcomed pets of all kinds, from dogs and cats to rabbits and a rescued baby blue jay named Babe.
She was an active member of Belford United Methodist Church, a former Sunday school teacher, and a volunteer with Noreg Lodge #3-466 and the Belford Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Isobel’s caregivers from the VNA of Monmouth County for their kindness and support.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
The article originally appeared in the February 27 – March 5, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
