Helene Diaz

“In loving memory of my wonderful wife, Helene M. Diaz

I was enjoying my first pass after arriving in Germany as a member of the Seventh Army of Occupation. OnJune 5, 1955, while riding my bicycle on a beautiful Sunday afternoon through the city of Augsburg, Germany, my attention was directed towards a group of young, German Frauleins, picnicking with their respective families. You caught my eye. You were a prototype of Bavarian beauties. Shining blonde hair, crystal blue eyes and very shy. I was instantly smitten by the presence of my future wife. It was love at first sight.

I invited you to accompany me to a movie in the City Center and to my surprise, my request was accepted. We met that evening at 5 o’clock and strolled together into our future. I was in heaven. Never a day since then have I not thanked my lucky stars for meeting you.

Now, after our 56 years of marriage, surrounded by our wonderful sons, Michael, Erick and the late Luis, we have been surrounded by the love of our friends, family and the love of each other. Having a wife such as you, religious, honest, unselfish, a great mother and friend; not to mention, one of the most gifted and astonishing cooks and homemakers, you were always protective of your children and husband.

I thank God every day for my life with you. You have brought love, joy and happiness into the hearts of everyone you touched.

And now,on this 6th day of January, The Epiphany of 2012, God has called you to his side. You left our hearts warm and full of your beautiful memories to guide us through the rest of our lives.

So, until we meet again my dearest love and Schatze, we love you and miss you immensely.

Your Loving and Devoted Husband, Luis, and sons, Michael and Erick”

Helen served as a member of The Davis Island Garden Club, St. Paul’s Lady’s Council and Guild, The Tampa Bay Orchid Club and The Hope Foundation. She was also immensely involved in local social groups including one of her personal favorites, Les Femmes.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday January 10, 2012 at Gonzalez Funeral Home from 7 to 9PM. A funeral mass will then be held on Wednesday January 11, 2012 at 10:30AM at St. Paul Catholic Church with entombment to follow at Sunset Memory Gardens.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made in Helen’s honor to St. Paul Catholic Church of Tampa.