Dr. Liliana Diaz

DR. LILIANA DIAZ, respected pulmonologist, critical care and sleep medicine specialist, passed away Thursday, December 13, 2012, after battling cancer for a year and a half. Dr. Diaz was born September 24, 1966, in Albonito, Puerto Rico. She completed her medical studies at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Science Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico; Postgraduate Training: University Hospital, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX; Fellow: American College of Chest Physicians. Dr. Diaz once said, “I chose to become a physician because I wanted to help people and make a meaningful difference in their lives.” I believe she did this well. She was an excellent physician, a kind and caring individual who took the time to really understand her patients and their unique situations. Dr. Diaz worked hard – alongside her staff at Methodist Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Specialists – to ensure that everyone she treated received the best possible care and an improved quality of life. Dr. Diaz served as a Board Member of Calvary Church in Stafford, TX. Her faith was an inspiration to those who knew her. She was active in many church ministries: worship musician, Spanish bible class teacher, director of vacation bible school, and utilized her other artistic talents throughout the church. She will be greatly missed as a physician, friend, daughter, wife and mother. She lived by one of her favorite bible verses, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles… Isaiah 40:31.”

Dr. Diaz is survived by her husband, Carlos F. Figueroa; son, Carlos Alexander Figueroa-Diaz; mother Ada Maldonado; father, Victor Diaz; brothers, Victor M., Jose E., Jorge, and Javier Diaz; and many other loving relatives and friends.

Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Sunday, December 16, 2012, at The Settegast-Kopf Co. @ Sugar Creek, 15015 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land (Williams Trace Exit). Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, December 17, 2012, in The Morrow Chapel of The Settegast-Kopf Co.@ Sugar Creek, with Pastor Britt Brooks, officiating. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, in Rosenberg, TX.

Dr. Liliana Diaz will forever be remembered by her family, close friends, Christian community, colleagues, and many patients, as an eloquent human being. She was an inspiration to so many, and made a tremendous impact on all who had the opportunity to know her.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Calvary Church at the Fountains @www.calvaryhouston.org.