Obituary of Gloria Diaz

Gloria Louise Diaz, age 84 of Carleton, died peacefully at 6:40pm, Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at home surrounded by her loving family, and under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. Gloria had been in poor health the past few years and in serious health since May. She valiantly fought her illnesses until the very end. Friends may gather from 6:00-8:00pm, Thursday, December 20, 2012 and from 1:00-8:00pm, Friday, December 21 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. She will lie in state from 9:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00am; Saturday, December 22 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Father John Dumas officiating. Burial to follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery. Born May 18, 1928 in Detroit, Gloria was the daughter of Charles and Ula (Akins) Beaudry. She married Angelo Joseph Diaz on July 5, 1947 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Carleton. Gloria was a 1946 graduate of Monroe High School, and she was a member of the Carleton VFW Ladies' Auxiliary 4093. Gloria was not only a homemaker, she was very instrumental in the family business of truck farming, spending many long hours and days in the field raising and harvesting vegetables. It was her ingenuity and assertiveness that created the current greenhouse business which was started in 1969. She was very involved in activities surrounding St. Patrick Church, ensuring all of her children were educated there. Big hearted and loving best described her. Gloria loved to bowl, and play euchre. When Gloria and Angelo danced, the dance floor was cleared and observers would admire their gracefulness. Other hobbies included traveling with the family on different cruise liners, reading, puzzles, and painting Christmas items used in her daughter's massive village. Gloria loved a challenge. Dogs and cats were always welcomed at the farm, as she never turned away a stray. Surviving are her eight children: Joseph (Rose) Diaz of Lima, Peru, Kenneth (Cynthia) Diaz of Carleton; Michael (Margarett) Diaz of Apopka, Florida, John (Judy)Diaz of Anderson, South Carolina, Patricia (Eugene) Mitchey of Monroe, Anthony (Linda) Diaz of Monroe, Thomas Diaz of Carleton, and Dolores (William) Kowalski of Monroe; brother: Richard (Susan) Beaudry of Pinellas Park, Florida; 23 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents: Charles and Ula; brother: Robert; her beloved husband of 57 years: Angelo, and a grandchild: Jennifer. Memorials are suggested to ASPCA. Online condolences at www.merklefs.com.