Gloria Maria Diaz

Born on June 30, 1942, in Havana, Cuba, Gloria was the beloved daughter of Julio Diaz and Gloria Ruiz. She spent her childhood in Playa Hermosa in Guanabo, where her love for the beach began and stayed with her throughout her life. Though she was forced to leave her homeland in 1959, she carried its beauty and spirit within her always. With deep faith, Gloria believed God guided her family to Puerto Rico—a place she came to love with her whole heart and where she built a life filled with purpose, friendship, and joy.

Gloria attended the University of Puerto Rico and followed her calling to become a teacher. For many years, she lovingly shaped young lives as a kindergarten teacher at Colegio Titi Fe. She had a special gift for nurturing others, and her warmth extended far beyond the classroom.

She will be remembered for her radiant smile, her boundless love, and the way she made everyone feel at home. Gloria’s kitchen was the heart of her gatherings—where she expressed her love through food, laughter, and togetherness. She cherished family above all else and opened her heart generously to anyone who loved her children and grandchildren, welcoming them as her own. When reflecting on her life, Gloria often spoke of how blessed she felt—to have been so deeply loved by her parents and surrounded by friends who left lasting imprints on her heart.

She is survived by her children, Rafael Mayola and Maria Shorkey, and their spouses, Rocio Pagan and Jim Shorkey; and by her cherished grandchildren, Jose Gabriel Perez and Nicholas Belanger. She was preceded in death by her parents, Julio Diaz and Gloria Ruiz, and her husband, Rafael C. Mayola.

True to her spirit, Gloria did not wish for tears, but for love and remembrance. In lieu of a funeral, Gloria preferred that a mass or memorial service be held by any friends or family members in her honor. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Easterseals Florida’s Day Break Program at the Miller Center https://florida.easterseals.com/make-donation or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital https://stjude.org.

Gloria’s legacy is one of love—freely given, deeply felt, and lasting beyond a lifetime. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered in every shared meal, every warm welcome, and every act of kindness inspired by her example.