Sandra Diaz
2006-04-27- Dr. Sandra Swinford Diaz of Gainesville died Thursday after a five-year battle with cancer. She was 61.
- Dr. Diaz was born in Fort Bragg, N.C., and moved to Gainesville with her parents after World War II.
After receiving her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Florida, she worked as a social worker in Alachua and Nassau counties, and then as a family counselor in Miami-Dade County. She returned to UF in the early 1980s to pursue her Ph.D., and joined the staff at UF's Student Mental Health Center.
She was a member of the University United Methodist Church of Gainesville.
Survivors include her father, Dr. Kenneth R. "Bob" Swinford of Gainesville; daughters Catherine Diaz and Jennifer Diaz, both of Gainesville; a son, Daniel Diaz of Gainesville; and a brother, George Swinford of Gainesville.
Sandy was one of the most truly caring people on the face of the Earth. She was a blessing to everyone who knew her, especially me. We were best friends for 40 years, sharing the joys and sorrows of life together. I'm now proud to be the honorary grandma of her grandchildren, Julia, Kinsley and Isla. She'll live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew her forever.
tribute by Lynn Laurenti