Dulce L. Diaz

It is with much sadness that we announce that our mother, Dulce Lina Diaz of Weston passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, at the age of 87. Dulce Lina was born on September 23, 1937, in Remedios, Cuba.

She is survived by her devoted children Jose Manuel Diaz Jr, Dr. Maria Lina Diaz (Thomas Bryson Owen) her cherished grandson Jose Manuel Diaz the IV, her beloved cousin Alicia Lund as well as many other dear relatives and close family friends.

She is preceded in death by her treasured husband of nearly 60 years, Jose Manuel Diaz.

Dulce Lina was graduated from Escuela Normal para Maestros de Jardines de la Infancia in Santa Clara, Cuba in 1956. She was the class valedictorian and proudly delivered an inspirational speech at the graduation ceremony. Later that year, at the age of 19, she married her childhood sweetheart, Jose Manuel Diaz. Shortly thereafter, she immigrated to the United States leaving the only life she had ever known behind. She never returned to her homeland. She and her husband were determined to raise their future family in a country free of tyranny. She valued freedom and democracy above all. She became a military wife as her husband was station at Fort Sill, Oklahoma (United States Army). She became a mother to two children and eventually settled with her family in Union City, New Jersey.

In 1964, the family moved to Hialeah, Florida. Dulce Lina became very involved in her community and her children's school. She was involved in the PTA of her children's elementary school and was Room Mother for her children's classes. She advocated for and assisted arriving Cuban refugees in their assimilation into life in the United States. In 1971, the family moved to Orlando, Florida. Dulce Lina continued to be involved in her children's schools and extracurricular activities as well as her community. She became a volunteer at Sunland Center, a residential facility for profoundly mentally and physically disabled children and adults. She was active at St James Catholic Church.

In 1978, the family returned to South Florida. Dulce Lina began working for Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida as a cashier. Before she retired, she held receptionist positions for several medical offices and was beloved by her bosses, fellow staff and many patients.

One of the biggest joys in her life was becoming a grandmother and soon thereafter she became a volunteer at Coconut Palm Elementary School where she was affectionally known as "Nana". She also volunteered at His House Children's Home where she spent time nurturing infants and children in foster care, putting her gift of rocking fussy babies peacefully to sleep to good use.

Dulce Lina was a fierce defender and protector of her family and loved ones. A fearless advocate for many, she demonstrated bravery in the face of adversity. Dulce Lina always had time to listen, offer good counsel, and pray with her family, friends and neighbors. She encouraged and uplifted many during her life. Her humble home always had room for one more cot and one more place at the table. Throughout the years, she provided a respite and haven for many. A warm hug was never far away.

True to her roots in early childhood education, she loved to teach. Many young children in her circle learned to read and write and basic arithmetic under her tutelage. Much later in life, she taught basic English to her Spanish Speaking caregivers and also taught Spanish to her Creole speaking aids.

Dulce Lina led a beautiful life of Christian principles- devoted to her husband, children, grandson, family, friends and community. Dulce Lina's legacy will be one of love and service to others tempered by strength, courage and faith. The family is immensely grateful for the gift of her life.

A visitation for Dulce will be held Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 1:15 PM at Caballero Rivero Hialeah, 373 W 9 Street, Hialeah, FL 33010. Following the visitation will be a committal service from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn West, 14001 NW 178th St, Miami Lakes, FL 33018.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dulce Lina Diaz' name can be made to St Jude Children's Hospital.