in Manati, Puerto Rico on November 8th, 1943, to the late Jose and Clotildé Galan.
She is survived by son: Julio Galan (Debbie nee Cerezo); daughters: Denise Diaz,
Lyssette Smith (James), Linda Diaz (Bonnie Harris); stepdaughter: Jacqueline Allin;
grandchildren: Meelisa Smith, Jawanza Smith, Rogan Harris-Diaz, Karlo Galan, Kristel
Galan, Emmanuel Galan, Cesar Galan, Marguerite Miller, Joseph Miller, Kaytlyn Miller,
Jennifer Cerswell, Michael Torres, Amanda Rodriguez and Marcos Rodriguez. Great
grandchild: Ricardo Galan. Sister: Virginia Pacheco (Neftali). Nephew: James Pacheco;
Niece: Debbie Ruiz (William). In addition, many other loving nieces and nephews.
Maria was a professional nanny, creating lasting relationships with many families. She
treasured time with her family: at the beach, swimming, dancing, traveling, coloring,
painting, doing crafts and hobbies with the grandchildren. Maria collected roosters and
proudly displayed them throughout her home. She spent countless hours cooking food
for others to enjoy, and the main ingredient in all of Maria's cooking whether it be rice
and beans, pastelas, or coquito…was love.
Maria is preceded in death by her husband, Cesar Diaz; her daughter, Lisa Diaz; her
sisters: Juanita Cruz Galan and Isabel Ortiz Galan; brother: Jose Rafael Galan
Family will received friends 11am, Monday December 7, 2020 prior to the funeral service at 12 noon at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 E Lake Ave, Tampa with interment following at Garden of Memories Cemetery.
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