It is with great sadness that the family of Colleen Bovi announces her death at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, Massachusetts on Monday, September 24, 2018 four months after having been diagnosed with cancer. Her fight back began with radiation therapy and chemotherapy was to have begun on Wednesday, September 26 ^th . She faced it all with characteristic positivity and determination, two hallmarks of her life.

Colleen was born on May 21, 1950 in Torrington, Connecticut to Edward J. Manning, Sr. of the Bronx, New York and Ethel Manning (née York) of Torrington, CT. Colleen is predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Thomas and Edward Manning Jr.  She grew up in the New Hartford / Barkhamsted, Connecticut area and graduated from Northwest Regional School District No. 7 in Winsted, Connecticut. She was helping plan a 50 ^th graduation reunion when she passed.

Colleen attended Emerson College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Language Pathology in June, 1972, the start of a passionate desire to help children throughout her professional life. She completed her graduate studies at Plymouth State College, Plymouth, NH where she earned a Master of Education degree.  She was awarded categorical certifications as a Special Educator and a Teacher of the Emotionally Disabled and Special Education Administrator.  She, and her husband, Wayne Bovi (who currently resides in Sandown, New Hampshire) married days after her graduation from Emerson. After a short Summer in Flagstaff, AZ, where Wayne received a Master's degree in English from Northern Arizona University, the couple settled in Greenville, North Carolina where Wayne was a Professor of English at East Carolina University and Colleen began her educational career in Kingston, North Carolina public schools as a Speech and Language Pathologist. In 1977 the couple returned to New England where Colleen began working for the Derry Cooperative School District in the same capacity and, over time, moved into more of an administrative role. Ms. Bovi was hired by the Timberlane Regional School District in Plaistow, NH as Assistant Pupil Personnel Services Director and then became Pupil Personnel Services Director as her role and contributions grew exponentially each year. She oversaw all Special Education, School Nursing, Psychological Services, English as a Second Language (ESL), Out of District and Court Ordered Placements, District Emergency Preparedness, and more. No matter the titles or job responsibilities - she was, to her death, a powerful advocate for children and their right to a "free and appropriate public education". She received the New Hampshire Excellence in Education award in 2002 as the Special Education Administrator of the Year for her contributions to the field of special education and was recognized for supporting access, equity and excellence in education for all students. After her 2007 retirement from Timberlane she contracted with the New Hampshire based educational consortium SERESC in Bedford, NH as an Independent Educational Consult and enthusiastic contributor along with an incredible team of colleagues, many of whom became close friends. Colleen retired for a second time a couple of years ago.

Colleen was an avid concert-goer and music lover and, with husband, Wayne, especially enjoyed eleven years of Tupelo Music Hall concerts in Londonderry and then Derry. She was a huge film buff and embraced everything from blockbuster Marvel movies to independent films, to obscure art house films and documentaries.  She loved to travel and meet people.  She recently returned from a two-week trip to Rome, Florence, Milan and a joyful reunion with Wayne's family in Olevano sul Tusciano. Each morning she would smile and say, "This is the best day of my life."  She died happy and feeling blessed beyond belief.

Colleen is survived by her husband, Wayne Bovi who resides in Sandown, New Hampshire, her nephew, Geoffrey P. Manning, wife, Margaret (née Bowen), grandnieces Lois and Rose Manning, and grandnephew Edward Manning of Little Compton, Rhode Island. Colleen was also a proud Aunt to nephew Max Monti-Bovi of North Carolina, Andrea Bovi of Minnesota, Gina Bovi of Arizona. She is also survived by brothers-in-law Jeff Bovi of North Carolina and Alan Bovi of Arizona. Additionally, she is Great Aunt to Ada Bovi of North Carolina and sister-in-law to Louisa Monti-Bovi of North Carolina and sister-in-law Nancy Hovren of Arizona.  Colleen is also survived by Kyle Candia-Bovi of North Carolina.

Public calling hours will be at Brookside Chapel and Funeral Home at 116 Main Street, Route 121A, Plaistow, New Hampshire on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 from 5 to 7PM. The family has requested a private service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society are suggested.