Barbara Mae Bergeron May

Barbara Mae Bergeron May, affectionately known as "Sugar," was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as the fourth child of Theodore and Agnes Ricard Bergeron on August 5, 1927. Her rich African American Creole heritage dates back to colonial Louisiana in the 1700's. Barbara was baptized at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. She was a graduate of St. Francis Xavier High School.

Pursuing her passion for nursing, Barbara attended Charity Hospital School of Nursing in New Orleans, where she met her future husband, Charles J. May, during a military social at Jackson Barracks. Soon after, they relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Barbara dedicated 31 years of her life as a mental health nurse at the Milwaukee County Hospital, retiring in 1987. Her compassion and expertise were recognized as she played a vital role on the emergency response team, helping to deescalate situations with mental health patients.

Barbara enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including sewing, traveling, cooking, and collecting recipes. A devout Catholic, she faithfully recited her rosary daily and was an active member of All Saints Catholic Church in Milwaukee Throughout her 70 years in the Milwaukee community, she forged many lasting and loving relationships, including with her neighbor Lenora Brown, whom she considered her guardian angel.

 In the summer of 2024, Barbara returned to her roots in Baton Rouge to live with her niece, Sheila B. Harrell. Shortly after her arrival, she became a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. Barbara cherished her time at home, where she received visits and gifts from family members. Her loved ones came together to celebrate her remarkable 97th birthday. 

She left this world on October 22, 2024, with her niece Sheila by her side. Barbara's devoted family, which includes her sister-in-law Carolyn Bergeron, her nieces and caregivers Sheila Bergeron Harrell (Chester) and Tasha Bergeron Parms (Willie, III), her beloved cousin Frankie B. Chrisentery, special nephews Herbert G. Stewart and Lydell Key and numerous other family members and friends, will miss her profoundly. 

She is preceded in death by her husband Charles J. May, her parents, and her siblings: Sadie, Russell, Herman, Dorothy, James, Marie, and Juanita. 

Services are Thursday, November 7, 2024, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church: Visitation 11:00 a.m.; Rosary 11:45 a.m. & Mass of Christian Burial 12:10 p.m. Internment Louisiana National Cemetery