Theresa Bernadette (Gomez) Diaz

Bernadette passed away unexpectedly on February 05, 2026, as a result of heart and lung complications. She was born to Mr. & Mrs. Carl and Rosella (Valdez) Gomez on March 30, 1946. Her parents owned Carl’s Drive Inn Restaurant on Lake Avenue, and she literally grew up in the family restaurant as the family home at the time was attached to the back of the restaurant. Bernadette learned the skills of cooking from her mother and her aunts. She remained the “chef” and perfected the recipes for nearly 25 years at the family restaurant, working alongside her siblings, many other family members, and friends who became like family. In the mid 1980’s, Bernadette transitioned Carl’s Drive Inn into a nightclub which she successfully operated for a few years until the family business was sold. She then decided should would renovate a shuttered bar on Northern Avenue which her father previously owned and she named it Carl’s 2. She was very proud of her successes over the many years in the restaurant and bar business. She additionally worked retail sales at Joslin’s, Dillard’s, JC Penney, and also attained her cosmetology license. She most recently worked as a host home care provider. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Carl (Butch) Gomez, her daughter in-law Dolores Lavine, and her special sister-in law Margaret “Meg” Gomez-McClary, and by many extended family members and friends. Bernadette is survived by her children, Ted & Arlene Martinez, Tim Martinez, and Thomas (Dolores) Lavine. She loved her children unconditionally. She adored and cherished her grandchildren and her great grandchildren; Katelen Holloway and son Ezra, Austin (Briannah) Lavine and son Luka, and Victoria Lavine and daughter Elena. She held her grandchildren and great grandchildren close to her heart and she was affectionately known to them as Nana B and Grammy. She is survived by her siblings, Betty (Frank) Vigil, Judy Gomez, Shirley (Carl) Gomez, Rick Gomez, and Victoria (Lilly) Gomez. She was especially thankful for her niece, Margaret “Maggie” Gomez, who unselfishly helped with her care and made mom feel extra special. She had a special bond with all her siblings, but nothing compared to the bond she had with her sisters Vicky and Lilly who were always there for her no matter the circumstances. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and other family members whom she loved dearly. Our mother was a hardworking, strong, and determined woman. She was a survivor of breast and lymphoma cancer and additionally survived a brain aneurysm. She fought hard over the past couple of months to overcome her most recent health issues, with the hope of seeing and holding her first great-granddaughter, Elena, who was born a few weeks following mom’s passing. Mom loved the time she spent with her granddaughter Victoria, who preciously cared for Nana B over the past several months. Mom was overjoyed with her first-born grandchild, Katelen. Mom would always tell stories about Katelen as an infant and mom cherished those memories. Katelen would always bring her Nana goodies and check-in to make sure she was OK. Her grandson Austin was the light of her eyes and he loved his Grammy. Mom spent a lot of time with Austin when he was a child and always made sure he never went without. Austin has never forgotten about their special time together and he always made sure threefold that his Grammy never went without. The immense love she had for her great-grandchildren is beyond words and each one of them brought her joy and purpose. Mom kept pictures of her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren at the base of her statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Virgin Mary. Mom understood and knew the Mercy of Our Holy Father and the Graces bestowed by Our Most Holy Mother Mary. Mom whole-heartedly loved her son Ted and she would think about him every hour when the clocked he gifted her 40 years ago would chime. She enjoyed texting Ted and would ask him to send pictures of her grand-puppies. Once mom found out how to take a selfie, it was on and there was no stopping her. Mom loved her unexpected and last-minute trips to Las Vegas or Blackhawk with her son Thomas. Mom would say she didn’t want to go, was not feeling good enough to go, and yet be packing her bags at the same time. Mom and Tom had a special connection and they meant the world to each other. Mom spent her last few months living with her son Tim. Her sons loved her dearly and appreciated the life she provided for them. Mom enjoyed watching the Food Network, DIY, Shopping Channel and Rachael Ray. She would brag about what she learned to make. She would make the dish but add her own ingredients and then insisted it was just like Rachael made. She once cut out a picture of Rachael Ray from a box her cookware came in, made a Christmas ornament out of it, and proudly put it on the Christmas Tree. Her DIY projects were innovative and well thought out. There was no arguing or disagreeing with mom she was always right. If you wanted to share a secret with mom you always knew it wouldn’t be a secret for long. Mom liked to stir the pot just a little bit when there was drama. It was her way of easily resolving the drama so focus would then be shifted on her for gossiping. She would happily take the blame instead of seeing others upset or disappointed. Her way out was always, what do you expect I’m old, don’t pay attention to what I say. Forgiveness was at the top of the list for mom and she bore no anger or resentment. Thank you to Erin Beatty – ACNP, Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, Pueblo Cardiology Associates, National Jewish Health, Anschutz Neurology, UC Health, and Frontier Home Health. Thank you to family and friends who have provided love, support, and encouragement during this difficult time. Special thank you to Father Michael Chrisman, Ministers, and Staff of the Shrine of St. Therese. In lieu of food or flowers, please spend time with Jesus in Eucharist Adoration at the Shrine of St. Therese Chapel. Please join us in the parish hall for lunch immediately following the Funeral Mass. Inurnment will occur at a later date. JESUS I TRUST IN YOU

Theresa Bernadette (Gomez) Diaz

March 30, 1946 - February 5, 2026