Carmen Maria Colon, 82, of Palm Coast, Florida passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House, Palm Coast. A visitation for family and friends will take place Tuesday, September 23rd from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lohman Funeral Home Palm Coast, 220 Palm Coast Parkway SW, Palm Coast. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 24th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Palm Coast. Interment will follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery, Jacksonville, Florida.

Maria was born August 2, 1932 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico to Santo Rodriguez and Petra Franqui. She moved to Harlem, New York at the age of 16 where she caught the eye of her husband-to-be. She and her husband relocated to Flagler County in 1990 from The Bronx, New York. Maria was a loving wife, homemaker, and mother. As a parishioner at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, she was a member of Crucillos.

Maria loved the Lord and enjoyed her devotions daily. She had many passions, gardening, cooking (and she was a great cook), but most of all - dancing! She will be remembered for her joy of dancing Salsa and her infectious laugh. We know she is now dancing on streets of gold, and are sure she is the life of the party in Heaven.

As the matriarch of her family, Maria is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Benjamin Colon of Palm Coast, their daughters, Lexy (Todd) Kramer of Palm Coast, and Blanca Colon of Ormond Beach. Maria is also survived by, ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; as well as her nieces Evelyn Diaz, Julia Soto, and nephew, Willie Almestica. She was preceded in glory by her parents, brothers Angel Franqui, Anthony Franqui, Isaias Franqui, sister Ana Elba Franqui, and sons, Benjamin Colon Jr., Jimmie Colon, and Ritchie Colon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Maria's honor to the immediate family. Arrangements are under the careful supervision and guidance of Lohman Funeral Home Palm Coast.