Elda Diaz

Elda Diaz, 96, of Riverside, California, passed away on April 25, 2026. Born November 1, 1929 to Italian parents in Benghazi, Libya, she lived a beautiful and extraordinary life filled with love, adventure, and unwavering devotion to her family.

She married Angelo Diaz in 1951 while he was on active duty at Wheelus AFB in Tripoli, Libya. Five years after their marriage, her entire family relocated from Tripoli to Rome, Italy which is why she would often say she was from Rome. Together they shared 30 remarkable years serving in the U.S. Air Force. With strength, grace, and a spirit of adventure, they raised their family across the USA, Libya, and Europe, including two stints in Germany, Tripoli, Libya (again), and Livorno, Italy, before settling in Riverside, California.

Elda later devoted thirty-three years to the May Company in Riverside, where she worked in fragrance, jewelry, and loss prevention, earning many awards for her dedication and excellence. A woman of deep compassion and patriotism, she was an active member of Gold Star Wives of America and The Military Widows of Riverside, and she gave generously of her time as a volunteer at the Riverside National Cemetery.

Devoted to her Catholic faith and her personal relationship with Jesus Christ, she lived every day with deep spiritual conviction, prayer, and trust in God’s promises. Her faith brought her a sense of purpose, strength, and joy. She left this earthly life for eternity with a peaceful smile on her face, confident in the hope of Heaven.

She is survived by her six children: Sylvia Molnar, Renaldo-Reny (Doris), Robert (Kelli), Bruce, Jerry (Arlene), and Cindy Morris (Kenny); twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all, whose lives she touched with her kindness, strength, and enduring love