Kathleen M. Diaz

Kathleen M. Diaz of Caro, age 81, passed away on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at her home. Kathy was born November 13, 1939 in Detroit, the twin daughter of George & Flossie (Brown) Oakes. She was inseparable in life from her twin sister, Connie Theisen, and Kathy's health began to decline following her death only weeks ago. Kathy grew up in Wilmot where she and her family were active members of St. Michael Catholic Church and watched its construction. She attended Kingston High School until her junior year when the family moved to Inkster, graduating from Roosevelt High School in Dearborn Heights with the class of 1957. Fate may have been part of a cross-country road trip that Kathy took with her sister and cousins that led them to Camp Pendleton in California. It was there that she met her loving husband, James Diaz. The couple was united in marriage on September 21, 1962 and celebrated thirty-seven years of marriage prior to his death on November 2, 2000. They moved from California to Royal Oak following his honorable discharge in 1963, eventually coming to Caro in 1968. Kathy radiated love and generosity to all she knew. Her life revolved around family and she adored time spent with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Quiet time was often spent rocking them on her porch swing, or simply watching the world go by. She also enjoyed playing cards, camping, and traveling. Left to cherish Kathy's memory are four children and their spouses, Denise Diaz of Cass City, Robin & Joe Keine of Cass City, James & Tina Diaz of Marshall, Kim & Allan Dadacki of Caro; thirteen grandchildren, Alex Diaz, Haley Gage, Abbie Diaz, Eleanor Diaz, Brennen Gage, Jacob (Melissa) Nichols, Samuel Nichols, Molly Nichols, Maggie Malicoat, Daniel Diaz, Michael Ziegler, Kelly Ziegler, Emily Ziegler; three great-grandchildren, Logan Larkin, Lilly Larkin, Novaleigh Harmon; two siblings, Judy Hypes and her husband, Ronnie, of Dearborn, Linda Tallman of Caro; and many beloved nieces and nephews with whom she shared a close bond. In addition to her parents and husband, Kathy was preceded in death by two children, Kelly Gage and infant son, Robert Allen Diaz; two grandchildren, Brandon Gage, Kyle Robert Diaz; siblings, George Oakes, Dennis Oakes, and Connie Theisen. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at the Almer Township Cemetery in Caro with Rev. Christopher Coman officiating. In honor of Kathy's generous nature, please consider giving, as she would, to others in need. Cemetery Information Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021 Almer Township Cemetery Address: E Caro Rd & Deckervile Rd Caro, MI 48723 A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at the Almer Township Cemetery in Caro with Rev. Christopher Coman officiating.