Mary K. Diaz

Mary K. Diaz, 72, a resident of Antioch, IL, passed away on November 28, 2025 at Alta in Wauconda. She was born on March 8, 1953 in Chicago, IL to Walter and Grace (Mueller) Axen.

Mary is survived by her children, Denise,  (Orlando) Quezada of Antioch, IL, Jose Honorio & Erin Diaz of Ingleside, IL, , Yesenia & Frank Orozco Texas .Her grandchildren, Angelica & Danny Hasso of Glen Ellyn, IL, Armani Diaz of Ingelside, IL, Grace Quezada & Xiomara Quezada of Antioch, IL; and her sister, Nancy & Jeffery Gellhause ,Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents Grace and Walter Axen, her beloved children, Gregorio Sandoval, Brian Sandoval, and Jose M. Diaz; as well as her first granddaughter, Stephanie Renee  Dokken; and her sister, Karen Axen, & Patricia Ortiz.

Mary K. Diaz was a Special Education Teacher and Director for Lake County Head Start for many years. She has been a pillar in the community guiding young teens with truancy, counseling and mentoring into adulthood. Her creative passion for crocheting and sewing into the long hours of the night with such determination with loved packed gifts for her family and friends. The love and passion she shared with each and every person she came into contact with, will be missed by so many. She will go in peace and spread her wings, always being the life of the party. Yet still dancing with the sparkle in her eyes into the lights of heaven. 

The Memorial Visitation and Service will be held at Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 10:30am until 12:30pm, with a memorial service beginning at 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Round Lake Fine Arts Boosters in the Diaz Name. For more information, please call 847-223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.