Oliva Diaz

Oliva Diaz, 89, of Copiague, New York, and Saint Petersburg, Florida, entered into Eternal Life on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Predeceased by her beloved husband of 64 years, Abelardo, in 2022. Devoted mother of Hedy Diaz, Carmen Maquilon, and Gustavo Diaz. Dear Mother-in-law of Segi Maquilon and Michelle Diaz. Adored "Mita" to Michael Maquilon, Zachary Diaz, and Alexandra Diaz. Cherished sister of Lorenzo, Silvia, Ivan, Julio, Jesus "Tuto", Idelisa, and Jose. Oliva was an active parishoner at Holy Cross Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she loved attending prayer services at her parish, in addition to gardening, reading, and spending time with her family. She will be forever loved and deeply missed by each life that she touched.

Oliva was born in a small town called Istmina, near the Pacific Coast of Colombia, SA. She was the one of eight children raised in a modest and strict family environment in the mid 1930’s. After high school, Oliva pursued a degree in education and graduated to become a schoolteacher. Soon after, she married her long-time sweetheart, Abelardo in Medellin.

After giving birth to Hedy, Oliva was welcomed to the eastern plains of Colombia (Los Llanos) by her favorite cousin where she was the teacher for a small yet growing town and gave birth to Carmen. After several years, the family moved to big city of Cali, Colombia where Gustavo was born. Her joy was expanded by rejoining most of her sisters, brothers, and her best friend, and established a grade school built by her husband Abelardo. In early 1970’s, Oliva and her family moved to the United States and embarked on their pursuit of the American dream.

To Oliva, her three children, brothers, and over thirty nieces and nephews have been the priority. Oliva will be remembered for her everlasting smile, engulfing happiness, humility, and extremely generous heart. She has touched the lives of countless across Colombia, New York and Florida. Those who found themselves in a difficult bind knew they would always find a helping hand with Doña Oliva.

Oliva nació en un pequeño pueblo llamado Istmina, cerca de la costa pacífica de Colombia, Sudamérica. Fue una de los ocho hijos criados en un ambiente familiar modesto y estricto a mediados de la década de 1930. Después de terminar el bachillerato, Oliva siguió una carrera en educación y se graduó para convertirse en maestra. Poco después, se casó con su gran amor, Abelardo, en Medellín.

Tras el nacimiento de Hedy, Oliva fue recibida en los Llanos Orientales de Colombia por su primo favorita, donde trabajó como maestra en un pequeño pero creciente pueblo y dio a luz a Carmen. Después de varios años, la familia se trasladó a la gran ciudad de Cali, Colombia, donde nació Gustavo. Su alegría se amplió al reunirse con la mayoría de sus hermanas, hermanos y su mejor amiga, y al establecer una escuela primaria construida por su esposo, Abelardo. A principios de la década de 1970, Oliva y su familia se mudaron a los Estados Unidos para perseguir el sueño americano.

Para Oliva, sus tres hijos, hermanos y más de treinta sobrinos y sobrinas siempre fueron la prioridad. Oliva será recordada por su eterna sonrisa, su inmensa felicidad, su humildad y su corazón extremadamente generoso. Ha tocado las vidas de innumerables personas en Colombia, Nueva York y Florida. Aquellos que enfrentaron momentos difíciles siempre supieron que podían contar con la ayuda de Doña Oliva.

Family will receive friends at Claude R. Boyd-Spencer Funeral Home, 448 W. Main Street, Babylon, Sunday, January 19, 2025, 3:00 PM-7:00 PM. A funeral mass 10:30 AM Monday, January 20, 2025, St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 39 N Carll Ave, Babylon, NY 11702.