Lily Ann

With profound sorrow and gentle peace, we announce the passing of Lily Ann Diaz Martinez, a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Lily Ann left this world on June 6, 2026, at the age of 80, surrounded by her loving family at her home, after a valiant battle with cancer. Her journey, marked by grace, courage, and an unwavering spirit, began on May 24, 1946, in El Paso, Texas, where she was born to Consuelo Chaparro and Henry Diaz. Lily Ann grew up in the warm embrace of her family alongside her brothers, Dick, Hector, and Oscar. She carried the loving memories of her parents and brothers with her throughout her life. Her childhood in Las Cruces, NM laid the foundation for a life rich with love, kindness, and devotion to others. A graduate of Las Cruces High School in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Lily Ann furthered her education at New Mexico State University. Her professional journey led her to serve various city governments, where she dedicated her efforts to Community Service, Senior Centers, and Police Departments. Following her retirement, Lily Ann’s passion for flowers blossomed into a business, Flowers by Lily Ann, where she brought joy and beauty to countless lives through her floral artistry. Lily Ann’s heart was always open to service, evident in her active role with AARP, where she volunteered in outreach programs. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she expressed it through her service at San Juan Diego Church, where she adorned the sacred space with her exquisite floral creations each season. Beyond her professional and volunteer endeavors, Lily Ann was a woman of many passions. She had an unquenchable love for dance, music, and spontaneous adventure. Her travels were numerous, but none captured her heart as the Tuscan region of Italy did. A testament to her faith and adventurous spirit, she and her beloved husband, Daniel, embarked on the pilgrimage of El Camino a Santiago de Compostela, trekking 125 miles through the breathtaking landscapes of France and Spain. On December 26, 1970, Lily Ann married the love of her life, Daniel Martinez. Together, they built a family filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Daniel; her daughters Pamela, Amy, and Denise; her son-in-law Gregory Daniel; and her precious granddaughter, Alma, who was a source of immense joy to her. Lily Ann’s legacy of love and kindness will continue through her family, who will strive to honor her memory by living with the same grace and compassion she embodied. Lily Ann is remembered for her calm demeanor, kind heart, and a life led with quiet faith and service to others. Her personal style was unparalleled, and her beauty radiated from within, touching everyone she met. A celebration of Lily Ann’s life will be held on July 1, 2026, at 10:30 AM at the Immaculate Heart of Mary, located at 1240 S Espina St., Las Cruces, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Lily Ann’s memory to Cancer Care, a cause close to her heart, at https://www.cancercare.org/. As we bid farewell to our beloved Lily Ann, we take solace in the knowledge that her spirit remains with us, guiding us with her love, wisdom, and the beautiful memories we hold dear. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in our hearts.