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Montessori School of LemontFor over 50 years we have nurtured the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual development of children from age three through ninth grade according to the methods and philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori.
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Telephone: (815) 834-0607
Email: info@lemontmontessori.com
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Scientific research shows
We learn best when we are interested in what we are learning.
People thrive when they feel a sense of choice and control.
We learn best when our learning is situated in meaningful contexts.
Extrinsic rewards reduce motivation and level of performance once the rewards are removed.
Children can learn very well from and with peers; after age 6 children respond well to collaborative learning situations.
– Angeline Stoll Lillard
Montessori, The Science Behind the Genius
Norine Gibbons Colby
November 23, 1943 – January 5, 2026
It is with great sadness that Therese Colby announces the death of her mother, Norine Gibbons Colby, beloved educator, visionary, and founder of Montessori School of Lemont. Norine passed away peacefully at home on January 5, 2026, following a battle with cancer.
Growing up in post-Depression poverty to immigrant parents, Norine devoted her life to empowering children. She understood that education, when rooted in respect, independence, and wonder, has the power to change lives. As an adult, Norine worked her way through night school to become the first person in her family to attend college. She discovered Montessori education while studying at St. Xavier College, earning her degree in education.
She began her Montessori career as a classroom assistant and went on to earn Montessori certifications at the 3–6, 6–9, and 9–12 levels, as well as a Master of Education from Purdue University. In founding Montessori School of Lemont, Norine created far more than a school, she built a community where generations of children have been nurtured, challenged, and loved. Her legacy lives on in every classroom, every student, and every educator who carries forward her deep commitment to Montessori principles and to the dignity of each child.
Norine was known not only for her quiet strength and unwavering commitment, but also for her honesty, intelligence, and wry sense of humor. She inspired countless teachers, parents, and students through her example. She was preceded in death by her sons, John Arthur and Scott Anthony Colby; her father, John Gibbons of Mayo, Ireland; her mother, Mary Doherty of Donegal, Ireland; her sister, Mary Margaret Koch (Peter); her brothers, John, Thomas, and James Gibbons; and her beloved niece, Dianne Koch Ostermann.
She is survived by her life partner, Frank Colby; daughter, Therese (James Hilgenbrink) Colby, nephews John (Bobbie) Franco, Larry (Hyo) Franco; many beloved cousins in Ireland and Scotland, along with many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and the countless lives she touched through her work.
Information on services can be found here:
https://www.petkusfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Norine-Gibbons-Colby?obId=46943071
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The Montessori School of Lemont does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, socio-economic level, physical ability, genetic information, and learning style in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, hiring, scholarships or other school programs.