Brigida "Vicky" Diaz

Brigida Diaz, lovingly known to many as "Vicky," passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving children and family. Her life was defined by deep love for her family, pride in her heritage, and a lifelong commitment to compassion, service, and community. A funeral service in her honor will be held on March 20, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.

Brigida was born in Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, to her loving parents, Alejandro Martinez and Rosa Rodriguez. As a child, she was energetic and joyful, spending her days playing with her many siblings and cousins. Her home was filled with strong values that would guide her throughout her life.

Her father often spoke about current events, history, and the importance of civic responsibility. From him, Brigida learned empathy for her community, a deep dislike for injustice and oppression, and a strong pride in her Puerto Rican heritage. Her mother, a woman of discipline and devotion, ensured her children were always clean, respectful, and punctual - values she insisted upon at all times. At the same time, she showed them unconditional love and unwavering support.

Together, Alejandro and Rosa instilled in their children the belief that they could achieve anything they set their hearts and minds to. They nurtured a sense of pride, resilience, determination, and punctuality that Brigida carried with her throughout her life. From a young age, Brigida dreamed of becoming a nurse so she could care for others and be of service to her community.

At the age of 17, Brigida followed her older sister Ana to New York, settling in Brooklyn. In time, many of her siblings joined them there, including Lydia ("Jita"), Mario ("Jando"), Juan ("Checo"), and Jorge ("Georgie"). Her youngest sister, Rosa ("Rosita"), also came for a time before eventually returning to Puerto Rico.

During her first job in New York, her manager had difficulty pronouncing her name. Together they came up with the nickname "Vicky," a name Brigida grew to love and one by which most people came to know her throughout her life.

Even with a limited understanding of English at the time, Brigida was keenly aware of the social issues unfolding around her in New York. She learned about a historic campaign taking place in Harlem, where Adam Clayton Powell Jr. was running for Congress, a race that would make history. Determined to help, she traveled by train from Brooklyn to Harlem to volunteer on the campaign, where she learned political organizing and strategy from some of the most influential minds in politics of that era.

Remembering the lessons her father had shared about civic responsibility, Brigida realized she could fight oppression and serve her community through political involvement. She learned quickly and became a respected and sought-after leader in many federal, state, and municipal election campaigns. She was especially passionate when speaking on issues of equality, neighborhood blight, education, and the concerns affecting her beloved senior citizens.

Brigida later married Hector Diaz, and together they moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where they raised their family. They were blessed with three children: Sandra, Hector ("Andy"), and Yvonne ("Bonnie").

She fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse and dedicated her career primarily to caring for seniors. She loved them deeply, and they loved her in return. Known for her compassion and dedication, Brigida earned the respect of her coworkers and supervisors, as well as the admiration of many political leaders throughout the state.

Vicky was also a revered member of St. Mary's Church during her years in Bridgeport. She considered her fellow church members to be an extension of her family and was deeply devoted to her faith and community. At the same time, she embraced a political family within the Democratic Party in Bridgeport, where she worked tirelessly and was remembered with great respect and affection.

Those who knew Vicky will always remember her as nonjudgmental, loving, punctual, and always ready to serve others. Her warmth, compassion, discipline, and dedication touched everyone she encountered.

She leaves behind her loving children: Sandra Diaz (her husband Julio, deceased), Hector Diaz ("Andy") and his partner Elizabeth, whom Vicky loved and embraced as a daughter, and Yvonne Diaz ("Bonnie") and her husband David, a very special son-in-law.

She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Sandra's children Julio Cesar, Tiana Alexandra, and Cesar Alexander; Hector's children Krizia and London Dazlyn; and Yvonne's children Daniel David and Keziah Alexandra.

Her legacy continues through her beloved great-grandchildren: Julito, Miguel Angel, Sophia, Victoria, and Alessandra.

Vicky was a devoted member of Grace Family Church – Temple Terrace, where she found deep fellowship and spiritual family. She was a beloved member of the church’s “Battle Buddies” small group and was known for her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering faith. To many within the church community, she was not only a friend but also a spiritual mother and grandmother whose love, encouragement, and prayers touched countless lives. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by her Grace Family Church family.

She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, as well as countless friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives she touched. Brigida's life was one of service, compassion, and unwavering commitment to family and community. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Her light, her strength, and her love for justice and family will remain a guiding force for generations to come.

To those who wish to honor Brigida’s memory may make a donation to Grace Family Church – Temple Terrace, a church community that meant so much to her here: https://gfcflorida.com/givenow?AccountIds=39

In keeping with her joyful spirit, Brigida wished for her service to be a celebration of life. The family kindly asks that guests refrain from wearing black. Her favorite color was royal blue, though guests should feel free to wear whatever they are most comfortable in.

Though our hearts grieve, we rejoice knowing she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord. Her love, faith, and the many lives she touched will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Visitation will be held at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33614, US, on March 20, 2026, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm with funeral services beginning at the funeral home at 12:30 pm.

Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 4207 E Lake Ave, Tampa, FL 33610, US, on March 20, 2026, at 2:00 pm.