Jacqueline Sue Diaz (Jackie), 71, of Holland, MI passed away in the evening hours of June 20th, 2023, surrounded by her family. Born July 15th, 1951, in Allegan, MI, she was the daughter of the late Leon and Alice Jean (Commissaris) Stearns. She is a Holland High graduate of 1969 and married her loving husband and sweetheart Mariano Diaz (Mario) on July 29, 1972.
Jackie was a devoted and loving mother to her three boys and her six grandchildren. She could always be found on the sidelines cheering them on at every one of their sporting events. She loved nothing more than watching her boys, her grandchildren, and her Saugatuck sports teams. You could always hear her and Mario cheering or ringing the cowbell.
She had a passion for helping people and was always willing to do anything for anyone. When not at a sports event she enjoyed going camping, bowling, watching her beloved Detroit Tigers, or listening to Elvis or Kenny Rogers.
She was a Sunday School Teacher at St Peter’s Parish in Douglas, where she shared her passion for the Catholic faith with the youth. She was a volunteer for the Saugatuck Athletic Boosters for many years. She always took those parking lot shifts or 50/50 ticket responsibilities with excitement to support all of her “kids.”
In addition, to her husband of fifty years, Mariano Sr., she is survived by her children, Mariano Jr. (Jeanette) Diaz, Matthew (Heidi) Diaz, and Andrew (Lisa) Diaz; siblings Carol Silva, Henry (Veronica) Silva, stepmother Jeana Stearns, half-brother Billie (Kathryn) Stearns, step-brothers Clearance “Guy” Strickfaden, Kevin (Diane) Strickfaden, Victor (Diana) Strickfaden; and grandchildren Benny, Griffin, Mariana, Austin, Alekzander, and Oliver.
Jackie was preceded in death by her father, Leon, her mother, Jean Kamphuis, step-dad, Roger Kamphuis, half-brother Bobby Stearns, sisters-in-law, Lupe Jimenzez (Primo), Mary Batey (Scott), brother in law John Diaz (Connie).
Jackie will always be known for her loving heart, making afghan blankets, infectious smile, and her kind and compassionate spirit. Most importantly Jackie will always be remembered for cheering on all the “kids.”
Visitation will take place on Sunday, June 25, 202,3 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel (188 W. 32nd St.) in Holland, Michigan. Funeral services will take place Monday, June 26, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church (100 St. Peter Dr.) In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Saugatuck Athletic Boosters in Jackie’s name. The family invites all that are able to attend a gathering following the services at St. Peter Hall in Douglas.
