Obituary: Maria R. (Diaz) Diroche, Oldest of 18

Obituary from O’Donnell Funeral Home.

Maria R. (Diaz) Diroche 86, of Peabody, beloved wife of the late Gil Diroche, died Tuesday, October 14th, 2014 at home surrounded by her loving family.

Born in the Dominican Republic, she was the daughter of the late Jose Joaquin andMaria (Diaz) Santos. She was raised and educated in the Dominican and immigrated to the United States in 1962. She first resided in New York for a very short time and then chose the City of Peabody as her home and resided there for the rest of her life. Over many years Maria as the “Matriarch” of her family, the first of 18 children, helped to transition her siblings to the United States. She supported them through their journey to becoming citizens.

Maria had been employed for many years as a stitcher with New England Sportswear in Peabody. More recently she was associated with North Shore Elder services as a Nurse’s Aide until the time of her retirement.

A long time active member of the Catholic Hispanic Community at St. John the Baptist Church in Peabody, Maria spent her time as a member of the Ladies Sodality, the prayer group and the rosary group at St. John the Baptist Church. She had a deep love of her family the Lord and the City of Peabody. Her devotion to her 17 brothers and sisters allowed her family and the generations that follow to have a better life and for that she was very proud. She was a loving daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother aunt and friend who will be deeply missed.

Maria is survived by her daughters, Nuris Severino of Peabody, Anis Diaz of Peabody, her seven grandchildren, Michael Diaz of Salem, Alani Diaz of Gloucester, Mellissa Diaz of New York, Petra Jimenez of Lynn, Gina Toribio of Lynn, Alexandra Severino of Lynn, her 18 great grandchildren, her siblings, Jose Diaz of Salem, Luz Pacheco of Salem, Augustina Pacheco of Peabody, Quisqueya Deleon of Peabody, Gilda Garcia of Peabody, Emenegildo Pacheco of Salem and Elido Pacheco of Rhode Island, her half siblings, Gladis Bettancourt, Carmen Marte, Eduardo Santo and Gloria Santo, her step daughter Cruz Diroche of Lynn and step son Rafael Diroche of D.R. and many extended family and friends. She was also the grandmother of the late Alberto Toribio and sister of the late Miguel, Juana and Miriam Pacheco.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her funeral Mass will be held in St. John the Baptist Church, Chestnut St., Peabody, Friday, Oct. 17th at 11 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours in St. John the Baptist Church, Church St., Peabody Thursday, October 16th from 5 to 9 P.M.. Assisting the family with the arrangements is The O’Donnell Funeral Home 46 Washington Sq., (At Salem Common) Salem. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in Maria’s memory to the St John the Baptist Church, 17R Chestnut St., Peabody, MA 01960. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com