Maria Elena Dieguez

Maria Elena Dieguez (Nena), 64, of Lauderdale by the Sea, passed away on the morning of July 15, 2024. Nena was born in  A Coruña, Spain to Valentin and Carmen Dieguez on April 7, 1960.  She immigrated with her family to the United States of America when she was only 4 years old and lived in Newark, New Jersey. Nena attended Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, New Jersey and then went on to receive her Undergraduate Degree from Caldwell College.  During her time in Kearny, New Jersey, Nena was involved in the Spanish Club, located in Newark. She began her career at Univision spending over 10 years in Manhattan, NY. During this time, Nena met and fell in love with Millie, a relationship that lasted for over 30 years. After her time in Univision, Nena left for Lauderdale by the Sea in 1997/8 to work for GEMS, a Women’s cable network. She then later started her own eatery, Nature Boy, in 2000.  In 2012 Nena left Florida for 8 years to care for her ailing mother until she passed. Later in Nena’s life, she was involved in many forms of crafting, which she enjoyed immensely. 

Maria Elena is preceded in death by her father, Valentin Manuel Dieguez, and her mother, Carmen Lavandeira Dieguez.  

Maria Elena is survived by her brother, Manuel Angel Dieguez, and her four nephews, Robert Random, Manny Douglas, Erik and Alejandro Dieguez.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Wednesday July 24, 2024 at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, 3109 E. Sunrise Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale FL 33304. Meeting under the Banyon Tree beginning at 9:30 am and eulogies begin at 10:00 am.

The Dieguez and Carrasquillo family of Maria Elena wish to extend our sincere thanks to all the oncologists and nurses that cared for her throughout the last 2 years.