Maria Johnson

Maria Olga Colón (Johnson), a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and Nana, passed away unexpectedly on June 24, 2025, in Fall River, Massachusetts. Born on August 5, 1976, in Boston to Norman Colón and the late Maggi Colón, Maria was a vibrant spirit whose love for her family knew no bounds.

As an English major in college with a passion for literature and storytelling, Maria dedicated herself wholeheartedly to being a stay-at-home mom after welcoming her two children into the world. Her nurturing nature shone brightly as she raised Teresa Joy and Sydney Kylee with unwavering devotion. Although she faced profound loss with the passing of her daughter Sydney Kylee at a young age—an ache that never left her heart—Maria remained resilient and continued to pour all of her love into those around her. Maria took solace in the fact that Sydney was reunited with her brother John P. Colón in the ancestral plane.

Family was everything to Maria; she cherished every moment spent watching movies or playing games with her granddaughters Amara Rivera-Colón and Alaia Rivera-Colón. She took immense pride in their accomplishments and delighted in creating lasting memories filled with laughter and joy. Her home was always open—a sanctuary where warmth enveloped everyone who entered.

In addition to being an adoring grandmother and devoted mother, Maria was also known for her fierce advocacy for disability justice and awareness. She believed passionately that everyone deserved respect and opportunity regardless of their circumstances. Through this work—and by simply living out these values daily—she inspired many around her.

Maria is survived by her father Norman Colón; daughter Teresa Colón; son-in-law Richard Scott Jr.; granddaughters Amara Rivera-Colón & Alaia Rivera-Colón; sister Elena Colón & her child T Escobar-Colón; along with countless friends who were touched by her kindness throughout the years.

A funeral service celebrating Maria's life will be held on July 6, 2025 at Grace Anglican Church located at 1095 South Street Bridgewater MA at 4:00 PM. Flowers for her service would be much appreciated and can be sent to Grace. In honoring Maria’s legacy of love for family and commitment to advocacy work within the community we invite all who knew this remarkable woman to join us as we remember not only what she accomplished but how deeply she loved those around her.

Though our hearts are heavy from this loss—the light that Maria brought into our lives will forever shine bright through each story shared about moments spent together—a testament to an extraordinary life lived fully amidst both joys & sorrows alike.

“I sing because I'm happy

I sing because I'm free

His eye is on the sparrow

And I know He watches me”