Olivia S. Diaz, 81, of Las Cruces entered eternal life Friday, May 23, 2025 in Las Cruces surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 2, 1944 in Hurley, NM to David Diaz and Mary Diaz.
Olivia put herself through nursing school as a young mother with the aspirations of providing a better life for herself and her children. Her perseverance was rewarded upon successfully becoming a Registered Nurse serving many communities around New Mexico for over 45 years. Prior to her retirement in 2016, she was employed at Mesilla Valley Hospice La Posada in Las Cruces, Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, Sierra Hospital in El Paso, Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility, Los Lunas Correctional Facility, Santa Fe Correctional Facility and Saudi Arabia Military Hospital. She also served as a flight nurse early in her career along with becoming co-owner of a Home Health Agency in Las Cruces, NM. Olivia's free time was always dedicated to family and was manifested through multitudes of large family gatherings during the holidays, camping trips and remote vacations. Olivia demonstrated her adventurous side by traveling to many exotic places around the globe to include Spain, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, France, Jerusalem, Ireland and Italy. Olivia had a great passion for traveling, cooking, sewing and her family. She will be greatly missed.
Survivors include son, Eric Martinez of Silver City and girlfriend Antonette Carillo of Las Cruces; daughter, Mary Martinez-Chavez and husband Patrick Chavez of Las Cruces; five brothers, David Diaz Jr. and wife Marylou Diaz of Virginia Beach, Peter Diaz and wife Irma Diaz of Silver City, Martin Diaz of Las Cruces, Michael Diaz of Silver City, Tony Diaz of Las Cruces; two sisters, Michelle Candelaria of Hurley, Donna Figueroa and Husband Mike Figueroa of Citrus Heights, CA. Other survivors include five grandchildren; Victoria Lianna Hernandez and husband Oliver Hernandez, Eric Joshua Martinez, Jesse Diego Martinez and partner Travis Nañez, Cameron Chavez, Cruz Chavez; three great grandchildren; Carmen (CJ) Hernandez, Chloe Hernandez, Cienna Hernandez, Antonette's daughter's Dakota and Payson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her beloved dog Chiquita.
She was preceded in death by her parents; David Diaz and Mary Diaz; three brothers, Napoleon Diaz, Jeffrey Diaz and Richard Diaz.
Prayer Vigil for Olivia will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, June 2, 2025 in Bacas Chapel of Prayer, 300 E. Boutz Road. Family and Friends will join together to celebrate the Funeral Liturgy at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025 St. Albert the Great Newman Center, 2615 S. Solano Drive with the Most Reverend George Szal officiating. Serving as casket bearers will be Michael Diaz, Tony Diaz, Eric Joshua Martinez, Jesse Martinez, Cameron Chavez and Cruz Chavez.
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