BRUNILDA DIAZ MCKENZIE

BRUNILDA DIAZ MCKENZIE Brunilda Diaz McKenzie, affectionately known as Bruni, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, January 11, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas, at the age of 82. She was born on February 25, 1941, in Alice, Texas to the late Pablo and Erundina Diaz. Bruni was a beacon of light and strength to all who knew her. In her young age, Bruni was full of energy, intelligent, and full of spirit. She graduated from William Adams High School in 1959, where her performance shone brightly as a High School Twirler. Furthering her education, Bruni attended Business School and completed numerous job-related training courses which paved the way for her long and successful career. Bruni dedicated herself to her work with the Federal Aviation Administration in Alice and Corpus Christi, Texas. She then retired from the Department of Public Safety as a Driver's License Technician after 25 years of service. Her professionalism and efficiency were hallmarks of her service, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and devotion to her field. Bruni's life was a testament to the values she held dear and instilled in her daughters; family unity, education, respect, hard work, honesty, and independence, with confidence and a belief that they could achieve anything they set their minds to. Yet the role of mother and grandmother was her priority, always lovingly ready to protect, and assist her family with advice and guidance; they always came first. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. Bruni's most exciting and happiest times were during family celebrations, gatherings or holidays, a time for fellowship full of laughter, singing, joking, and rejoicing. Bruni's beautiful smile was a reflection of her joyful spirit, and it never failed to light up a room. She also had an impeccable sense of fashion, with every accessory perfectly in place. A devout Catholic, Bruni prayed daily to Our Lady of Guadalupe and sought the intercession of her favorite Saints for the protection and safety of her family. In her leisure time she enjoyed watching her favorite novelas but come football time she was known as a diehard Dallas Cowboys Fan. Bruni also enjoyed music, dancing, and especially Mariachi Music. Bruni was preceded in death by her parents, Pablo and Erundina Diaz; her daughter, Annette McKenzie Lopez; and Rene Bazan McKenzie, the father of her children. Left to cherish Bruni's memories are her loving daughters, Debbie McKenzie-Trevino and Melissa (Ana) McKenzie-Moreno; her grandchildren, Nina Marie Lopez, Carlos Lopez Jr., Priscilla Renee Uvalle, Erika Lee Benavides, Jessica Ann Trevino, Jessena Ann Trevino, Nicole T. Castillo, Abel Tunchez Jr., Paul Rene Chavez, and Kingston Moreno; and numerous great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends, and her beloved dog Pepe, who was always by her side. Bruni's family will receive condolences on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM at Trevino Funeral Home, 120 E. Front St., with Holy Rosary to be recited at 9:30 AM. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM at St. Elizabeth Of Hungary Catholic Church, on Saturday, January 20, 2024, followed by Rite of Committal and Interment at Old Collins Cemetery in Alice, Texas. Honoring Bruni as pallbearers are her Grandsons, Carlos Lopez, Jr., Abel Tunchez Jr., Paul Chavez, Kingston Moreno; and Great-Grandsons, Anthony Lopez, Andrew Lopez, Alex Lopez, Juan Uvalle III, and Julian Uvalle. To leave your condolences for the family of Brunilda "Bruni" Diaz McKenzie, share your memories, or visit her tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.