Mary Miller Colon

Mary Miller Colon passed away unexpectedly and peacefully of natural causes on Tuesday, January 14, 2020. She was the most precious daughter of Jeraldine Cannizzaro Miller and the late David Earl Miller and step daughter of David E. May, Sr. She was the devoted mother of Samantha Colon Sherman (Brian), and Jessica, Joshua and Cristina Colon. She was the spoiling grandmother of Colton Sherman, Otto and Ava Stanchak, Jaylen Weathersby and Quave Allen. Beloved sister of Suzanne Miller Olsen (Maurice), Jeri Martha Miller and Jennifer Miller Daigle (Kevin). She was the doting aunt of David and Christopher Bonnette, Dorian Hodges, Dylan Cleto and Maggie Daigle. Great aunt of Tamara Bonnette. Mary was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Nicole and her grandparents, Joseph and Anna Cannizzaro and Ora and Frankie Miller. Mary attended Bonnabel High School where she excelled in music and held highest position for 2 years. She also won highest honors in numerous competitions. She graduated from Bonnnabel High School with honors in English and in Physics. Mary and her family lived in Chicago, IL, Norfolk, VA and in Miami, FL until returning home to Louisiana in 2000. She graduated from the New Orleans Police Academy in 2001 and shortly thereafter was involved in a police shooting where her partner Chris Russell was killed. She was also seriously injured in a hit and run automobile accident while preparing her police vehicle for Hurricane Katrina. She spent a week in the flooded Tulane Hospital and was rescued by boat and brought to the staging area in Metairie and ultimately transferred to the hospital in Lafayette, LA for surgery. She continued her service with the N.O.P.D., where she received commendations for saving a child’s life and for her support of rape victims. Mary was a strong, loving and determined woman with a big heart. She often carried food and water in her vehicle, which she gave to the homeless people in her 5th District. She regularly brought clothes and other necessities to the Covenant House and the Battered Women’s Shelter. She had a special place in her heart for the residents of the 9th Ward. She loved her work and was a dedicated police officer. But Mary loved her family much more, always taking them places, cooking for them and taking care of her children and grandchildren. She loved holiday gatherings, crawfish boils, playing cards and games with family. She was counting the days to retirement, when she could spend more time traveling with them. She loved going with them on trips and was always planning for the next adventure. She enjoyed going to the zoo, the aquarium and numerous sporting events with her children and her grandchildren. Mary’s death leaves a huge hole in our hearts that can never be filled. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at L. A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home, 2607 Williams Blvd., Kenner on Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mary’s name to the Covenant House, 611 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, 70112 or Ozanam Inn, 843 Camp Street, New Orleans 70130. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com

Tributes

Mary Miller Colon

March 8, 1970 - January 14, 2020