AMHERST, MA: On April 14, 2024, Floris Cathelineaud Diaz (Abu) was called to Eternal Rest peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends, at age 96. She is survived by her daughters, Dr. Floris Wilma Ortiz-Marrero and son-in-law Alberto R. Ortiz (Amherst), Wanda I. Marrero (Puerto Rico), grandchildren Lisa Ortiz-Capello and husband Bryant Capello (New Bedford), Astrid Miranda (Texas), Alejandro Ortiz and wife Haley Ortiz (Arkansas), greatgrandchildren Maccio Miranda, Martzela Igartua, Benicio Ortiz, and Elijah Capello, as well as nephews and nieces in Puerto Rico.

Floris was born in Guayama, Puerto Rico on July 5, 1927. She was a high school science teacher, college librarian, and retired as the Public Library Director at the Department of Education of Puerto Rico. Floris was the pillar of the family and a pioneer in breaking many traditional standards of her time: The first woman teacher to wear pants in the old days. Everyone who met her felt inspired and loved by her. She touched many lives with kindness and gentleness and encouraged everyone to be their best. We are eternally grateful to all her caregivers over the years, Highland Valley Elder Services, Amherst Senior Center, Amherst Neighbor Volunteers, friends, and the St. Brigid’s Community.

A Memorial Wake will be on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm at Douglass Funeral Service, N. Pleasant Street, Amherst. The funeral mass will be on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 10:00 am at St. Brigid’s Parish, Amherst.

 

Our final adios will be at a wake, mass and a Christian burial in her beloved town of Guayama, Puerto Rico. 

 

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com