Lillian Estelle Diaz

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Lillian Estelle Diaz of Clearwater, FL announce the passing of their beloved mother on May 19th, 2023, at the age of 92. Lillian was born on June 5th, 1930, in Granite Springs, NY, daughter of the late Robert and Susan M. (Smith) Tompkins. The Great Depression and WWII deeply affected Lillian’s formative years. She learned from her parents and siblings the importance of  spirituality, love of family, and resiliency during challenging times. Lillian attended grade school at a one room schoolhouse in Granite Springs. She was one of the first graduates from Somers High School, and she attended SUNY Plattsburgh.

Lillian married Edward A. MacDonald, and had two children, Emily Marta, and Timothy. The marriage ended in divorce and Lillian became a single parent. She later married Spencer B. Stewart and had 3 children, Dolores, Spencer, and Mary. Her husband Spencer, later died of cancer in 1968 and she became a widow and single parent of 5 children. In 1973, Lillian married Ralph M. Diaz, and became a stepmom to Ralph’s children, Ralph Jr., and Warren. Lillian had a long and happy life with Ralph, until his passing in 2007.

Lillian worked her entire life in various banking, bookkeeping, and retail service positions to provide and care for her family. Lillian was a resilient powerhouse, who would start her day praising the Lord and work non-stop until her day was done. Her children affectionately called her ‘The Energizer Bunny.’ Lillian had many interests beginning with her faith in God. She was a long-standing member of the Church of the Good Shepard in Granite Springs NY, and the Church of the Good Samaritan, Clearwater FL. Lillian loved to get her hands in the dirt and garden. She would tell us that this was her way of communing with God. She loved to cook and bake for her family and had an extensive collection of recipes. We all have fond memories of her rice and beans, banana bread, and peanut butter cookies. She was highly creative and taught us how to sew, knit, and crochet. With her loving hands she made each of us a handcrafted blanket that we can wrap around us and still feel her love. Mom loved listening to music. Turn the music on and her foot would begin tapping, and her hands would rise in praise for the gift the performer bestowed upon her.

Lillian loved solving all kinds of puzzles (words, crossword, jigsaw). She loved a good game of Pinochle, and she was extremely competitive at board games (Yahtzee, Scrabble, Monopoly, Checkers and Dominos). She was an avid reader. Lillian also participated in team bowling and searching for the perfect thrift shop find (especially teddy bears).

Most important to Lillian was her family, which extended to all she encountered. She had an infinite capacity to love, and she had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world. She took her family and friends under her wings and taught them how to love unconditionally. It is our hope to continue her legacy of love.

Lillian is predeceased by her husbands, Edward A. MacDonald, Spencer B. Stewart, and Ralph M. Diaz, her loving sisters, Jesse E. Temple (Marshall), Susan M. Perry (Robert), Anne M. Smith (Frank), Marjorie A. Pease (Robert), her brother-in-law (Albert C. Whittaker), her stepson, Ralph Diaz (Wei), her great-grandchild Spencer Finn Johnson, and her son-in-law James A. Trefren.

Lillian is survived by her loving children, Emily Marta Brooks (David), Timothy Stewart (Nancy), Dolores A. Trefren, Spencer B. Stewart (Robin), Mary E. Stewart, Warren C. Diaz (Jeanne, Tobi, Gwen). Lillian is survived by her loving sister Roberta L. Whittaker, brother, Robert L. Tompkins Jr. (Joan), sister-in-law Ethel Bromley (Jay), and her loving nieces and nephews.

Lillian loved and adored her 10 grandchildren (David, Michael, Jessica, Robert, Carly, Jay, Spencer Aaron, Megan, Madison, Jonathan) and 13 great-grandchildren (Clayton, Trenton, Cohen, Audrey, Spencer Hayden, Zachary, Lillian Lee, Mia, Preston, Rafael, Joshua, Alyx, Sophie).

The family of Lillian Estelle Diaz is grateful for the loving care provided by the AccentCare Hospice Center of Pinellas County. We wish to extend our special thanks to chaplains Gina and Ray, nurses Corinne and Jaymie, music therapist, Gloria, and the entire support team.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Seasons Hospice Foundation, 8537 Solution Center, IL 60677, www.seasonsfoundation.org/donate.

We ask family and friends to join us at The Veteran’s Funeral Services, 830 N. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL 33765 for a memorial service on June 23rd, 2023 at 11AM.

Visitation will begin at 10AM.

Interment will be at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33708. Plot# Sec J Site 497.