Emma Diaz Obituary
Emma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Isidro Diaz, her parents, Maria and Francisco Perez, and her brother, Carlos Perez. She leaves behind her two sons, Michael Diaz, his wife, Mary, and Steven Diaz, and many others who loved her and she loved in return.
Emma was born January 2, 1957 in Cuba and emigrated as a child. She was deeply, and loudly, proud of her Cuban roots. Emma was fierce beyond belief. If she didn't like you, you'd know it, but if she loved you, you were golden.
She was so generous, always taking in strays, be they animal or human - she was a mother to many. She was definitely the type to show up with a shovel with no questions asked. She was brilliant, beautiful, sassy, passionate, and a joy to be around.
She could be found in her backyard most evenings toking up while her beloved dogs played around her. Her sons were the light of her life - she didn't have the heart to deny them anything.
Alzheimer's stole her golden years. First, it took her memory, then her speech, and ultimately, her life. In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to an Alzheimer's research organization as Emma would not want others to suffer as she did.
A Celebration of Life will take place in the near future. Please contact Michael for further information.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Dan D'Aurelio
April 1, 2025
I did not know Emma directly, but through my son-in-law, Michael Diaz and daughter Mary Diaz, I came to know her a bit. Seeing what a loving and respectful man Mike is and the love Mary showed through her concern and actions for Emma, indicate to me that Emma was a good mom and a good person. My condolences and prayers go out to her family. La famiglio e tutto....family is everything.
Barbara Perez
March 27, 2025
Emma was my aunt. My bold, super intelligent, inquisitive and sassy aunt. I have fond memories from visiting her and my family in New Jersey as a kid. I enjoyed listening to her talk because she was so knowledgeable about everything. I admired her energy and confidence. She had a passion for reading, taking care of animals and loving her boys. It was a tough way to see her deteriorate so in a sense I´m happy she´s resting and free now. She´s definitely drinking cafecito, smoking and talking nonsense with my dad (her brother) Carlos and reminiscing on life with their mother and father. Rest easy Emma!
Shay Sparrow
March 27, 2025
Emma was a mama bear to her sons. She loved hard and she fought even harder. Oftentimes it was the other way around because the love for her family ran so so deep. She was a proud woman, proud of her boys and her heritage. She did the best she could for her family. She loved her dogs. She was kind and thoughtful- she helped surprise me with a small sweet 16 birthday party. I miss our conversations and I hope she´s somewhere surrounded by dogs and happy and free
Axl Wright
March 27, 2025
Emma was basically a mother to me. She fed me just as much, if not more than my own parents. I spent most of my young life hanging out with the family, and to be quite honest, I probably interacted with her more than my own mother. She was a wonderful person who wanted the best for her boys. She told me personally that she had worried about her parenting, but I know she did the best she knew how. She was a strong woman who pushed through a lot of hardship, and guarded her family fiercely, and wasn't afraid to tell you when you were being a clown.
It was always refreshing to see her tending to the plants outside, wearing a cute sun hat. I hope she goes to a place where she is surrounded by beautiful flowers and is reunited with those she loved the most who left before her.
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