Maria Teresa Diaz

Maria Teresa Diaz moved to Rossmoor in 1975 with her husband Gustavo and their three children. A Cuban refugee, Maria received citizenship in 1971 and earned a vocational teaching credential at California State University, Long Beach. She retired as the Executive Secretary to one of the Vice Presidents of Long Beach City College. She was the first to receive the Outstanding Colleague of the Year Award. During her career at LBCC, Maria was appointed sponsor of the Hispanic Club. She taught English as a Second Language at St. Isidore and Spanish classes at St. Hedwig and for the LBCC Senior Program. Maria began attending Spanish Mass at St. Isidore, so she could take her family elders who did not speak English. A classical and concert operatic singer, Maria was the soloist for the St. Isidore choir and is now working on a second CD as a tribute to the music of Cuba. Maria is one of the founding members of St. Isidore Historical Plaza. She is also a member of the Board of Directors.