Rayeann Diaz

On January 4, 2024, Rayeann Brenny Diaz died in Frederick, Maryland after an optimistic three years of living with cancer. She was 81 years old.
Rayeann is survived by her daughters, Kristen (Daniel) Hostler and Lisa Diaz of Urbana, MD and Julie (Victor) Diaz of Kennett Square, PA, her grandchildren, Grace Hostler, Anna Schmuck, Mia Hostler, Brody Schmuck, Maxim Tabeling and Mateo Tabeling, and siblings William Brenny of Sac City, IA, James Brenny of Hopkin, MN, Jane Brenny of Frederick, MD, and Jack Brenny of Ankeny, IA. She also leaves behind dozens of dedicated friends. She was preceded in death in 2001 by her husband of 32 years, Robert Diaz, as well as her parents, Raymond and Ann Brenny.
Rayeann was born on November 3, 1942  in Fort Dodge, IA. She graduated from Pocahontas Catholic School in 1960, earned her teaching degree from Iowa State University in 1964 and her Masters Degree from the University of Maryland. She taught elementary students in New Orleans, Denver, and then Prince George’s County, Maryland where she met and married Robert Diaz in 1969. They soon moved to Monrovia, MD where they raised their family.
Rayeann was a teacher in Montgomery County, MD for 34 years.  She is remembered as a favorite teacher by many of her students. It was impossible to go anywhere nearby without running into someone who would comment on how Rayeann touched their lives through education.  Upon retirement from MCPS, Rayeann made time to pursue her many interests which included traveling, gardening, reading, taking classes, wine tasting, and spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, and numerous friends.  Her passion for travel and experiencing different cultures stayed with her until her final days.  Trips with friends to Australia, New Zealand, Alberta, and Norway were her favorite adventures.
A funeral mass for Rayeann will be held at 12:00 PM on January 11 at St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church, 8428 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. A celebration of Rayeann’s extraordinary life will immediately follow the service.