In Loving Memory of Corinne Ann Ornelas Diaz
October 19, 2026
Corinne Ann Ornelas Diaz, of Silver City, New Mexico, entered the gates of heaven on October 19, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona.
Born in Lordsburg, New Mexico, Corinne married her middle-school sweetheart, Jose (Joe) Luis Diaz, Sr. They shared 53 years of marriage and more than 60 years together. They made their home in Silver City, where they raised their three children.
Corinne was a faithful member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and the Society of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Her faith and love for her family were central to her life.
Her home and heart were always open. A beloved godmother to many, Corinne helped raise and nurture children throughout her community, welcoming each as her own. In her vocabulary, there was no "step," "half," or "adopted"—there was simply family. Every child she helped raise was hers, embraced with a mother's love.
Her table was always full, with room for anyone who needed a meal, comfort, or a place to belong. She will be remembered for her amazing cooking and her open, kind, loving, and faithful spirit. Through the meals she shared and the love she gave so freely, she made her home a gathering place for generations.
She is survived by her children, Dana Diaz-Cardenas and her husband, Mario Cardenas; Julie Kristy Diaz and Jose Diaz Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth Diaz; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Victor Ornelas and his wife, Hilda Ornelas, and Alfonso (Chito) Ornelas Jr. and his wife, Juanita Ornelas.
She was preceded in death by her father, Alfonso (Miller) Ornelas Sr.; her mother, Lupe Guzman Ornelas; her brother, Jason Miller Ornelas; and her granddaughter, Ariana Denea Diaz.
Corinne will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her family, godchildren, friends, and faith community.
The holy rosary will be recited by Lupe Flores on Tuesday, October 27th at 10am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels. The funeral mass will commence at 11:30am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Deacon Bill Holguin officiating. Concluding service interment will follow at Shakespeare cemetery in Lordsburg, NM where she will be laid to rest. Pallbearers are Dylan Miera, Isiah Rodriguez, Ian Rodriguez, Xavier Diaz, Christian Cardenas, and Juan Verdugo Jr. Honorary Pallbearers are Kenyon Grant, Mekhi Grant, Zarek Grant, David Ornelas, Damian Lopez, and Christopher Lopez.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
