Maria Elena Diaz

Maria Elena Cabada Diaz 76, passed away in her home on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Odessa, Texas. Throughout life Maria maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, and love for family and friends. She also expressed gratitude for her long life, full of wonderful and varied experiences. She was born in Progreso, Durango to Miguel Ita and Micaela Cabada on August 18,1948. Her love of all beautiful things led to her pursuing the industry via Cosmetology School to obtain her license. She then went on to win many awards through competitions. Maria spent her early years in Juarez, Mexico, living with her mother Micaela and her 4 siblings. While living in Juarez, she met the love of her life Pablo Diaz, to whom she was married for 59 years. Together they had the pleasure of raising 6 children in Juarez and then Texas.

In the early 1980’s, she lived in El Paso, Texas and then moved to establish her roots in Odessa, Texas. She worked at various jobs including dry cleaning and office cleaning. Her hobbies included sewing, gardening, making stuffed dolls, selling Avon, Kitchen Fair, Jafra products, and even burritos whenever she could. Her main focus was always her family, specifically her children whom she loved very much.

In her later years, she filled her time as a devoted Catholic with her church, her children and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses, and great grandchildren whom she adored. Her presence at family gatherings will be greatly missed

Maria is preceded in death by her husband, Pablo Diaz, son, Julio Diaz, granddaughter, Vanessa Jimenez, grandson Emilio Diaz, and many other family members.

Maria is survived by her two sisters, Melin and Marta. Her children and their spouses, David and Imelda Diaz, Eloy and Valerie Diaz, Susana and Ascencion Mendoza, Sonia Diaz Villalobos, Aide and Juan Garcia all of Odessa Texas, 16 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren from across the US including California, Texas, and Massachusetts.

Visitation is set for Tuesday April 22, 2025, from 1pm-9pm with a rosary at 7pm at Martinez Funeral Home West 10137 W University Blvd with Alvesa Davila leading the rosary.

Mass will be celebrated at 1pm Wednesday April 23, 2025, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church 2633 Conover Ave with Father Angel Castro officiating.

Burial will be at Ector County Cemetery Odessa II section with Deacon Alfonso Moreno officiating.

Pallbearers include David Diaz, Eloy Diaz, Jonathan Diaz, Esteban Garcia, David Duke Diaz, and Ascencion Mendoza.