Maria Diaz

On Monday, October 16, 2023, after a long battle with kidney failure and shorter battle with cancer, Maria Guadalupe Diaz took her final breath and slipped into the embrace of Jesus in heaven. Born on December 12, 1952 to Jesus and Olga Guerrero, she was immediately and forever a “daddy’s girl,” and perhaps the only comfort for those left behind is the knowledge that she is once again in his arms and by his side. Maria served her adult life and retired from New Braunfels ISD, where she mentored to, befriended, and touched the lives of countless teachers, staff, parents, and kids. When she wasn’t working, her greatest enjoyment was spending time with family and being the biggest sports and band fan to her children and grandchildren. She could always be found in the bleachers or audience anytime her children or grandchildren had a game or music event, and she made it a point to attend at least one game or concert every season for her grandchildren that lived hours away. If she wasn’t able to attend in person, she was viewing live online. Maria also loved reading and was an avid Hallmark Christmas movie fan. She knew the movies by heart, watched them off-season and counted the days for the new releases. She also loved HGTV and excelled as the family interior designer and holiday decorator. Her sons and grandsons could often be found assisting in rearranging furniture or getting boxes of decorations from the attic. No holiday, no matter how small, was ever not celebrated in Maria aka “Granny’s” house. She was also the best breakfast maker in the family. Saturday mornings were always filled with the smell of bacon and chorizo, and eggs were made to order for every family member or friend who walked through the door. With her apron on, hair tied back, and smile on her face, some of our fondest memories are moments gathered around the breakfast bar.

Maria leaves behind her husband of 53 years, Salvador Diaz, Jr. and three children, Jesse Diaz, Salvador “Sonny” Diaz, III (Daughter in-law, Jodi Diaz), and Marissa Diaz. She also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, Tyler “Nick” Diaz (granddaughter in-law, Kiera Diaz), Madison Espinoza-Diaz, Karina Diaz, Alayna Diaz, Jace Espinoza-Diaz, Jonah Diaz, Grace Diaz, Jessah Diaz, and Jaren Diaz, as well as her great grandchildren, Gael Diaz, Kaia Diaz, and a great granddaughter due in April of 2024. She was big sister to her two brothers, Jimmy “Jumbo” Guerrero who precedes her in death with her parents and leaves behind Joseph “Joey” Guerrero (brother in-law, Reeder Hoke). She leaves behind many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends. When she wasn’t on the dance floor at parties, she could be found sitting next to and laughing with her cousin and best friend, Rosita, and when not together, they spent many late nights talking and laughing on the phone. She never knew a stranger on earth, and we know that she knows no strangers in heaven.

We would like to thank everyone who supported Maria through her battle and everyone for the love and support shown to our family during our loss. Maria will be missed forever, but will live on in our hearts and in the traditions she instilled. The family would also like to thank all of the medical and ancillary staff at Christus Santa Rosa hospital and New Braunfels Regional Rehab for the care they provided to Maria.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 30, 2023 at the Lux Funeral Home Chapel from 5:00 to 9:00 pm with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church at 11:00 am with a procession to follow to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.