Colleen Caggiano

Mary Colleen Caggiano, age 62 of Hoover, Alabama, went to her heavenly home on August 31, 2019. She was born in Pasadena, California on February 27, 1957. She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Albert and Dorothy Lewis, her previous husband Robert Caggiano, and her cherished fur baby Cami.

She is survived by her husband George Theodore, her son; Shane Brown, daughter; Shawna McIntosh, son-in-law Cory McIntosh, daughter-in-law Jackie Brown, her four granddaughters; Lyla, Addie and Lainey McIntosh and Emma Claire Brown, her brother; Brian Lewis, sister; Maureen Lewis and her beloved dogs Mookie and Lucy Theodore.

Colleen was raised in San Diego, Ca in a family with seven children. She mastered classical piano as a child and dreamed of being a musician. During her adolescence, she enjoyed spending time on the beach and was the typical California surfer girl.

Colleen gave birth to her daughter Shawna in 1979 and her son Shane in 1986. She always worked hard to provide for her family. No matter how hard she struggled at times, she always made the Holidays special for her children. Many happy times with her Shawna and "Shane-E-Boy" were spent at Sea World, the zoo, and the Del Mar Fair. Colleen had a very close relationship with her parents and considered her father to be her "hero." She believed one of the best things she ever did was take care of her parents at the end of their lives. That was one of her proudest achievements.

Sitting in church one day, Colleen was reunited with an old friend named Rob Caggiano. They bonded over a passion for music and a love of Jesus. They formed a worship team, Rob on his guitar and Colleen with her keyboard. They continued to make beautiful music together until tragically Rob passed in 2004.

With a desire to make a new start and a gift for care taking, Colleen decided to enroll in nursing school. She graduated top of her class in 2009.

When Colleen's first grandchild, Lyla was born she realized her true purpose, to be a "Mimi". She moved to Alabama to be a full time Mimi in 2012. Her four granddaughters; Lyla, Addie, Lainey and Emma were her world, her heart, her everything. The Unconditional love was always given and returned abundantly. She wanted to give them all of the things she dreamed of as a child. Spoiling "her girls" brought her great joy. She would practically need a forklift to bring in the presents at Christmas time. Emma could never have too many dresses, shoes or bows. She loved overnights at Mimi's and taking her girls to their favorite place, Buffalo Wild Wings. Facetime with Emma, Shane and Jackie always made her heart full.

When her granddaughter Addie was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2016, Colleen decided to quit her job and devote her time and love to Addie and her daughter. She was strong, dependable, thoughtful, giving, and would do anything in a heartbeat if she was needed. Colleen was extremely proud of her "warrior" and "hero" Addie. Her relationship with her daughter Shawna grew even closer than ever.

Aside from family, Colleen had many interest throughout the years. There was her love of music, of course. She always wanted to stay on top of today's music so her girls thought she was a cool Mimi. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially dogs. Cami, her lhasa Apso was an 18 year companion. She loved taking many photos of her boxer Mookie and bassett hound Lucy. She loved to laugh and be silly, especially with her grandchildren. She got such a kick out of those snap chat filters.Musical TV shows like The Voice and American Idol were her favorite. That, and anything true crime on the ID Channel. Her home was always clean and decorated and she took pride in gardening. Like most women, she also had a love for shopping. If George Clooney, Tom Selleck or Luke Bryan were mentioned you may hear her say, "I may be old, but I'm not dead yet." Her love of health and fitness led her to connect with a new love in her life.

Feeling fit and confident, Colleen joined a dating website for older adults. She had been alone for 10 years and was open to the possibility of finding love again. That's when George entered her life. Colleen was the happiest anyone had seen her in a long time. They soon married and made a home for themselves with their two dogs in Hoover. Their best times together were spent going to movies, comedy shows, working out together and attending many concerts.

Colleen will always be remembered for her deep love of family. If you ever met her, you have probably heard her brag about her handsome son Shane and beautiful daughter Shawna. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. Nothing made her happier than having her family all together.

Colleen loved to help others. She was a good listener and truly empathized  with others when they hurt. She was always generous with compliments and like to make others feel good about themselves. She was a wonderful nurse and friend. That "machine gun" laugh of hers was contagious. Although we all hurt, we find comfort in Colleen's deep love for Jesus and her faith in God. She truly believed in the promises of everlasting life in Heaven. She has the peace only Jesus can provide.  She is reunited in Heaven with those loved ones she missed so much. Our hearts will never be  the same, but the memories of our time spent together will forever make our "hearts smile".

Mom - We will "finish strong" for you. We will never forget your smile, laughter, love and the life lessons you have taught us. We will honor your memory by spreading a little more love, kindness, and understanding to those in need of support and reassurance. We will miss you everyday, but we will always keep you in our hearts. Your granddaughters will grow up recalling memories and funny stories about you. You will be remembered as funny, and silly Mimi, just the way you always wanted.

Forever and Always the best Mimi ever!! We love you.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All of theses things are gone forever."  Revelations 21:4

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you."      Isaiah 66:13

Funeral services will be held at Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North, (4905 Highway 69 North,  Northport,Alabama 35473) on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at  2:00 pm. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Childhood Cancer charity of your choosing.