With profound love and sorrow, we announce the passing of Elba Baez Diaz, 77 years young, who entered eternal rest on January 15, 2026, in Brandon, Florida - surrounded by family and friends.
Born on July 7, 1948, in Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico, to Claudino Baez and Francisca “Panchita” Diaz. Elba lived a life full of entertainment and surrounded by an abundance of love from her large family. Elba along with her brothers and sisters would grow up as artists and musicians where her grace, her beautiful voice and musical tunes would captivate the public and all radio and tv audience members.
Whilst continuing her singing career, she bared interest as a beautician and went off to San Juan to explore this interest. All those that knew Elba knew that a public appearance would warrant a presentable yet memorable one. In the early 70’s, Elba ventured off to New Jersey where she met her late husband Jose Lopez and started a family (Lynda Lopez 1975, Sandra Lopez 1977, Jose Lopez Jr 1978 and Jorge Lopez 1980). Her family was her all. She would love them like no other.
Elba moved to Florida in the late 90’s and managed office spaces for many judges in the 13th judicial circuit court and would quickly become a beloved peer. You can hear Elba’s singing throughout the offices and hallway spaces at the court houses. Leaving her peers and visitors in awe. At 65 years young, she retired – leaving her former peers with a void that would be proven to be irreplaceable. The joy that she brought to others would be missed.
Elba was also recognized as the “godmother” of the less fortunate children in her neighborhood. Where she would happily accept them as they were and would make sure that all that needed a plate of food, a hug, a place to stay, love or laughter would be shared.
In retirement, Elba would spend her time closely with family and friends and would have large gatherings at her home. She would travel when and wherever she could and wherever she would go, you had better have a microphone. She would surely pull one in to sing with her. She was really the life of the party – drawing in crowds! A vivacious person, who would make her presence was known.
As years passed by and her family grew, her focus of her betterment shifted to her family and would always be the consoling voice and reassure one that “everything will be alright”. Elba faced personal challenges, but as she would remind one that “La Negra Tiene Tumbao”. Elba was a very strong lady and would shock all with her passing, but now she is free.
Elba is lovingly survived by her children Jorge Lopez, Jose Lopez Jr, Sandra Lopez and Lynda Lopez. She leaves behind a host of beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren and a plethora of extended family members and friends – who will forever carry her in their hearts and memories.
We leave all with the following poem as a reminder of “why” her calling and as she would say “I’ll see you later alligator”.
God looked around His garden and found an empty space.
He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best.
He knew that you were in pain.
He knew that you might never get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting round,
And the hills were hard to climb.
So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered “Peace be thine.”
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn’t go alone.
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
Special Thanks
Our family would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to her caregivers (Elizabeth Torres, Olga and Iris) for being compassionate and treating her as your own and for keeping her palette flavorful. To her “personal” nurses Tasha Burton and Kim, thank you for stepping out of your medical duties and taking the time to sit with mom and make her laugh. To her attendees at Davita, thank you for allowing my mother to unveil her spunkiness and understanding her and for voicing that you aspire to be her when you get to her age. We genuinely appreciate you all.
Previous Events
Visitation
7
Feb
10510 Riverview Dr.
Riverview, FL 33578
Celebration of Life Service
7
Feb
10510 Riverview Dr.
Riverview, FL 33578
Cemetery Details
Location
3301 Bloomingdale Avenue
Valrico, FL 33596
