Iris M. (Negron) Diaz

      Mrs. Iris M. (Negron) Diaz, 69, a resident of Wilkes-Barre's Rolling Mill Hill neighborhood, passed into eternal life the afternoon of Saturday, September 24, 2002 in the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township, following a prolonged illness.

     Born on Tuesday, December 9, 1952 in Ponce, Puerto Rico, she was one of four daughters to the late Antonio and Alexandria (Mercado) Negron.  Following the family's immigration to the United States when she was nine years old, they settled in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.  Mrs. Diaz was educated in the New York City school system prior to her graduation from high school.

     Throughout her youth and into her adulthood, Mrs. Diaz selflessly served the Salvation Army as a bell ringer during Christmastime; a tradition her children and grandchildren proudly continue to this day.

     Following the family's relocation to the Wyoming Valley, they settled in Wilkes-Barre's Rolling Mill Hill neighborhood.

     Devoted to her Christian faith, Mrs. Diaz was a Salvationist soldier with the Salvation Army Citadel in Wilkes-Barre for several years.

     In her spare time and enjoying arts, crafts and knitting, she produced many beautiful handmade blankets and infant's outfits for her several generations of children when they were born.

     She and her husband, Mr. Miguel A. Diaz, celebrated 19 years of married life together on April 23rd.

     Above all else, she is fondly remembered as being a loving, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend to all who knew and loved her.   Her willingness to fight her ailments, combined with being the “greatest mom”, leaves a beautiful legacy for her family to emulate in their lives.   Her physical presence will be greatly missed by all those she touched in this life.

     Left to cherish her memory in addition to her beloved husband Miguel at home are sons; Wilfredo Paneto and his wife Bendaliz of Staten Island, N.Y.;  Edward Paneto of Wilkes-Barre; Alexander Paneto of New York City; Twenty-one grandchildren; Twenty-three great-grandchildren; Sisters, Clara Sanchez of Nanticoke; Lucy Cruz and her husband Miguel of Florida and Lidia Negron of Rockaway, Queens, New York; Several nieces, nephews, neighbors and dear freidns.

     Presently, funeral services for Mrs. Diaz will be held privately and at the convenience of her family with no visitation.

     The John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre is honored to care for Mrs. Diaz and her family at this time.

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