Mantoloking Yacht Club
Lois "Betsy" Elizabeth Allen Colie,
(1927-2013)
Mantoloking, N.J.
Born
in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, in 1927 to Ione Ralli Allen and Henry Butler
Allen, Betsy was one of four daughters. Her father was a Director of the
Franklin Institute for many years. She proudly traced her lineage to Benjamin
Franklin.
Married
for 65 years to Runyon Colie, Jr., Betsy enjoyed competing in both sailing and
squash. Betsy was a nationally ranked squash player, playing out of
the Philadelphia Cricket Club. Runnie and Betsy together won five International
Penguin dingy sailing championships.
Gifted
in both the fine arts and hand needlework Betsy designed the Mantoloking Seal,
which can be seen throughout the town. An avid gardener, she was a valued
member The Sea Weeders. Betsy was a tireless volunteer where ever there was a
need.
A
life long environmentalist, Betsy served as councilwoman in Mantoloking where
she was instrumental in developing the recycling program for the town.
She
is survived by her husband, Runyon “Runnie” Colie, and her sister Peggy
Potter. She is also survived by her children, Delavan Colie, Lea Colie
Wight and husband Richard, Ann Colie Lewis and husband Steven, Henry Butler
Colie and wife Barbara, and Stephanie Carr Colie. Grandchildren Richard Colie,
Stuart Colie, Nathan Wight, David Wight, Jackie Lewis Calvo, Tara Wight, Shane
Lewis, Runyon Lewis and great granddaughter Kaylee Ann Wight. She was
predeceased by her sisters Judy Short and Patsy Itgen.
In
lieu of flowers the family suggests a gift to “Save Barnegat Bay”.
Internment will be private,
in Greenfield, Massachusetts. A memorial service will be held in
Mantoloking, NJ in the spring.