Henniker, NH

Irene Colby (Clark) Snair of Henniker, NH passed away peacefully in her sleep February 18, 2011 at the Hillsboro House Nursing Home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Irene was born March 21, 1937 in Henniker, NH, the daughter of Roy J. and E. “Inez” (Griffin) Colby.  She grew up in Henniker, NH and lived there her entire life with exception to her stay at the Hillsboro House Nursing Home were she received incredible care.  Irene graduated from Henniker High School in 1955, Concord Hospital School of Nursing in 1958, and Northeastern University as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner and went on to further her education at New England College all while raising 7 children.  Irene married Graydon “Jerry” Clark in 1956 and later married Bruce Snair in 1966.

Irene was a healer and worked as a nurse at Concord Hospital, the Hillsboro House Nursing Home, Nathaniel Hawthorne College, The Feminist Health Center, and Family Planning of NH.  Irene’s love of Henniker and New England College students led her into a 24 year career as a Nurse, Assistant Director, Nurse Practitioner, and finally Director of The Norman C. Parmenter Health Center at New England College. 

Irene was instrumental in the fight for women’s rights, the rights for safer contraceptives, and was a pioneer in bringing the Cervical Cap to the U.S.  She enjoyed Henniker, her family and NEC so much that other lucrative career offers were always turned down, so “she could be close to family and friends”.  Irene, known as “Renie” by her friends and family, was always there in times of need for others.  Her house was often frequented by those in need of medical care or with other concerns.  Most of all “Grammy Rene” adored her grandchildren, as well as her nieces and nephews, some not legally related but that never mattered.

Irene was predeceased by her parents Roy and E. Inez Colby and by her “other mother” Dorothy McGregor (Clark) Bergh, the best mother in law anyone could ask for, her husband Bruce Snair and brothers Frank, George , and Leon Sweatt, Llewellyn “Tum” Colby as well as her sister Arlene (Sweatt) Daniels and Sister in Law Ruth (Huntley) Colby. 

Irene is survived by her brothers Ernest and his wife Marion Colby of Henniker, NH, Raymond and his wife Jean Colby of Penacook, NH, her daughter Victoria Coffey, sons Robert Snair and his wife Kelly of Washington, NH, Gary Snair of Hillsboro, NH, Dick Snair of Concord, NH, her grandchildren Bryan and Stephen Coffey, Bobby, Kassidy, and Kaelyn Snair, Alexandra Murayda, and Mia and Ryan Sturtevant.  She also leaves behind her step children Mary Miller, Pamela Walsh and her husband Daniel, and Kimberly Rose as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Calling hours for Irene will be at the Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Henniker, NH on Tuesday March 1, 2011 from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M.

Plans of a celebration of life will be announced at a later date

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to ones choice of the many local charities. For more log on to www.holtwoodburyfh.com

To email condolences or sign guest book please click here.