Mary Milam

Mary was born on February 25, 1931, in Fukuoka, Japan, to Masahiko Sumi and Hatsu Ohishi. Her life was one defined by love, resilience, and an enduring joy that touched everyone she met.

While living in Japan, Mary met Air Force pilot Walter Milam. It was love at first sight, and the two were married on November 18, 1954, beginning a devoted partnership that would span decades and continents. Together they raised their daughter and son while building a life filled with adventure and cherished memories in Boston, Massachusetts; Fukuoka, Japan; Honolulu, Hawaii; Satellite Beach, Florida; and Friendswood, Texas.

Mary had an artistic soul and found joy in music, especially singing and playing the piano. Her love of music was matched only by her playful spirit—she delighted in time spent at the casino playing poker and never missed a chance to gather family and friends for a lively game of Left/Right/Center. Whether around a card table or in her living room, Mary created spaces filled with laughter.

To know Mary was to know her laughter—bright, frequent, and contagious. She had a remarkable ability to find joy in the little things and to share that joy freely with others. Her warm smile and lighthearted nature made everyone feel welcome, and she was deeply cherished by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mary will be dearly missed by her beloved children, Lily Ratliff and Joe (Edna) Milam; her devoted granddaughters, Danielle (Philip) Caltabiano, Ashley Massicott, and Julia Milam; her treasured great-grandchildren, Ava Caltabiano, Hudson Massicott, Holden Massicott, and Gianna Caltabiano; her cherished sister, Miyako Saito; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Milam; her parents, Masahiko Sumi and Hatsu Ohishi; her brothers, Osamu, Eihiko, and Naomasa Sumi; her son-in-law, Roy Ratliff; and her grandson-in-law, Bryan Massicott.

Mary will be remembered as a loving mother, a doting grandmother and great-grandmother, the sweetest aunt, and a woman whose laughter, kindness, and loving spirit left a lasting imprint on all who knew her. Her life was a beautiful reminder to find joy often, love deeply, and laugh freely.

Visitation will be held at Grand View Funeral Home, 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505, US, on May 11, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Grand View Funeral Home & Memorial Park/Bethany Cemetery, 8501 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505, US, on May 11, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.