Colby Smith Millspaugh, 89, of Hillsborough, NH, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Paoli Memorial Hospital in Paoli, PA.

Born Colby Gage Smith on March 17, 1937, in Chicago, IL, she was the daughter of the late John and Janet (Schmerein) Smith. Colby grew up in Winnetka, IL, alongside her younger brother, Weldon, and cherished many summers spent with family in Neenah, WI.

In 1956 she graduated from New Trier High School. Upon graduation she began studying at Hollins College then transferred to Tobé–Coburn School for Fashion Careers, where she earned a degree in business/fashion. One of her proudest achievements was returning to school as an adult learner while raising three children. She earned a Bachelor's in Teacher Education from The College of St. Joseph in Rutland, VT, subsequently working as a substitute elementary and middle school teacher before enthusiastically working several years as a preschool teacher at Little People's School at Grace Congregational Church.

Colby possessed a vibrant personality that far exceeded her small stature. Eternally curious and an enjoyer of collaborating, she was "all-in" on every project, whether as a mother or a community volunteer. She was a fixture in the lives of her children's friends and teammates, always willing to drive for carpools or offer support to those in her circle. This work ethic and love for people led to a 20-year career as a Census Intake Manager, a role she held with pride until her retirement in 2024.

Colby met her husband, Ted Millspaugh, in Connecticut while visiting her brother Weldon at Wesleyan University. Together, they shared 67 years of marriage and a loving partnership. Colby took great joy in supporting her children's passions, often joining them in skiing, tennis, and life on the water —first at their cottage on Lake Bomoseen, VT, and later at their home in Hillsborough, NH.

She was predeceased by her parents John and Janet Smith, her husband Ted Millspaugh, and her brother Weldon Smith. She is survived by her children: Gretchen Cooney (Gordon), Ted Millspaugh III, and John Millspaugh; and six grandchildren: Alicia Millspaugh, TJ Millspaugh, Jack Millspaugh, Evan Millspaugh, Kate Millspaugh, and Jack Cooney.
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The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Paoli Memorial Hospital for their kindness and professionalism in helping us navigate her final hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Colby's honor to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) wwf.org or Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Medical Center vet.tufts.edu/give

A small memorial service will be held at Christ Church in Winnetka, IL, at a future date.