Maria Catalina Diaz

Our Mom was born on March 21st, 1944 in Lolotique Dept. of San Miguel, El Salvador Central America to her father Antonio Jose Diaz & mother Maria Adriana Perez. Mom was the second youngest of 7 children. In order of birth mom’s siblings: Maria Guadalupe Diaz Perez (deceased), Carmen Diaz Perez, Macario Diaz Perez (deceased), Jose Santiago Diaz Perez, Argelia Diaz Perez (deceased), Julia Elena Diaz Perez.

On December 23rd, 1966 at the age of 22 mom came to Culver City, California with the help of her sponsors Mr. & Mrs. Mena. Mom worked for them as a nanny & went to Cosmetology School to become a hairstylist.

In November of 1967, Mom married our Dad in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mom & Dad had 2 children: Daughter Catherine & Son David. Mom & Dad moved from Hollywood California to Riverside California in June of 1976.

Shortly thereafter Mom began going to Queen Of Angels Church. Mom would take my brother & I on Sundays and we would walk (*and it seemed like a forever long walk as a kid) to mass at Queen Of Angels.

Between Queen Of Angels and my brother & I going to Collett Elementary School Mom began what would end up being lifelong friendships with Don & Mickey McAllister, Terri Gravett, Sylvia Krizinger.

I believe sometime in the early 1980’s is when Mom started working for Alvord School District doing the Campus Aide or what we kids would call it: “the yard duty teacher”. She worked at various schools at the time: Collett, Twinhill & Orrenmaa.

In 1986 our parents divorced. Mom still had her Cosmetology License and went back to being a Hairstylist. Mom worked in the J.C. Penney Salon for over 20 years. She retired in 2009.

One of Mom’s proudest moments besides her children, grandchildren & great grandchildren being born was In May of 1996 when she became a U.S. citizen. She was always proud & happy to have the freedom to vote.

Mom was always a Devout Catholic. During her years in Riverside, she was involved in church groups at Queen Of Angels, Our Lady of Perpetual Help , St. Catherines & St. Francis De Sales. She would attend mass at Corpus Christi, Queen Of Angels, St. Thomas, San Secondo d’Asti (Guasti Church). Through the church Mom developed many, many lifelong friendships & traveled with too. Forgive me, I don’t know many of the names…Although in Mom’s pictures I did see she traveled to Medjugorje with George & Auroa Hemminger. Mom also traveled to Rome, the Vatican City, Central & Northern California& probably more places—I just lost track of her travels.

Mom sang in the church choir and again through all her activities within the church is how Mom’s many friendships blossomed.

I believe Mom’s last group was the Queen Of Angels Cursillo group. Many of Mom’s friends have reached out to us to express their condolences, thoughts and prayers; donated funds towards the cost of her funeral---And to Mom’s Friends, we Thank You. Words cannot express our gratitude. I never imagined this day would come so soon. The tough reality is we all have our time to go. Jesus decided it was Mom’s time. So when the time came and Mom took her last breath, I automatically felt reassured that Mom is ok. Mom is not suffering anymore & she can once again hold her head up high. Mom will forever be our Angel up in Heaven looking out for us.

Mom leaves behind her daughter- Cathy, Son- David, Grandson SSG Richard Rivera (wife Ruth) , Granddaughter Anastasia Rivera, Great granddaughter Reagan, Great grandson Nicholas, Great granddaughter Gaia , Sisters Carmen & Julia, Brother Santiago and many cousins, nieces & nephews.

A visitation for Maria will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 4824 Jones Ave, Riverside, CA 92505. A funeral mass will also occur Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 4824 Jones Ave, Riverside, CA 92505. A committal service will occur Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 3510 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324.