Carolyn (Colburn) Lane

Carolyn C. Lane of Osterville, MA, passed away peacefully on September 18th, 2022. Pre-deceased by her husband, Andrew J. Lane, and brother, Carlton (“Bud”) Colburn. Survived by her three children, Stephen B. Lane of Manhattan, NY and Wickford, RI, Jennifer Lane Goldstein of Newton MA, and Diane L. Lane, of Douglas, MA., and her two grandchildren, Samantha N. Goldstein of Easthampton MA, and Aaron J. Goldstein of Brighton MA. Also survived by many, many dear nieces and nephews, and close circle of loving friends.

Born January 15, 1933 to Carlton B. Colburn and Margaret N. Colburn of South Natick MA, she grew up on a small family farm where she developed her green thumb and lifelong love of gardening.  A “straight A” student in school, Carolyn went on to graduate from Tufts University with a degree in Chemistry. She worked for several years as a lab technician at MIT and a high school special education teacher before putting down her textbooks to start a family. Carolyn was a devoted wife and mother and took great pride in her children’s important milestones and achievements over the years.

When she and Andy made their Osterville summer residence into a year-round home in the late 1970s, her gardening hobby flourished. A true believer in the organic gardening method, Carolyn’s expertise grew, and in 1984, she was the New England winner of WGBH’s Victory Garden annual contest, an achievement that she took great pride in. She joined the Osterville Garden Club (OGC) in 1986 and remained an active and enthusiastic member right up until her passing. She chaired many OGC committees over the years, but her favorite was always the scholarship committee, as she loved helping young, aspiring horticulturalists get their start in the field. Carolyn was the recipient of numerous outstanding recognitions in the field of horticulture, and the club benefited from her many horticultural workshops and expertise.

Carolyn and Andy loved to host large family gatherings at their Osterville home, particularly in the summer, when aunts, uncles, cousins, children, grandchildren and friends would come by and enjoy time together amidst Carolyn’s beautifully cultivated seaside gardens. These gatherings became an annual affair for many years and something that she and Andy looked forward to every summer season. She will be most remembered for her love of family, her independent spirit and indefatigable work ethic, and for sharing her passion for gardening and the fruits of her harvests with all.   Visiting Hours in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street NATICK COMMON on Saturday September 24th from 9-11am.  Followed by a Funeral Service at 11am.  Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.  Interment St. Patrick Cemetery Natick.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carolyn’s memory can be made to the Osterville Garden Club (https://www.ostervillegardenclub.org/), or the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs at Cape Cod Health Care’s Falmouth Hospital (https://www.capecodhealth.org/medical-services/lung-care/pulmonary-rehab/).  For directions and guest book please visit www.everettfuneral.com

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