Meriwether Lewis Diaz

Meriwether Lewis Diaz, 82, a resident of North Fort Myers for 15 years, formerly of West Palm Beach, FL, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in North Fort Myers, FL. She was born on May 18, 1943, in Governor’s Island, NY, to parents John Willis Walker and Elizabeth Dingley, now deceased.

Meriwether was of the Episcopalian faith. She was dearly loved by her family and friends. Meri will be remembered for her love of history. She was an avid reader who enjoyed mysteries and stories full of intrigue. She enjoyed remaining active by playing tennis and participating in water aerobics with her friends. Most of all, Meri enjoyed traveling to Europe (particularly Germany) with the love of her life, Jorge.

For those of you who knew Meri, you knew she was one of a kind, a unique shining star in the world. Many friends and family have reached out to her family to share memories, stories, and moments where Meri touched their lives in some way. Meri was a fighter who overcame many obstacles in her life, never gave up, took everything one day at a time, and always came out stronger in the end. Always one to roll up her sleeves, one story in particular encapsulates what many know about her:

Meri and Jorge shared an affinity for the water and being on the boat. They made a great team; Jorge would drive and act as the Captain, and Meri would be the Navigator. You would always find her sitting next to her beloved, nautical chart in hand, giving Jorge a funny side-eye as he was about to head into shallow water, while she would course correct him back to the path. She did that for so many of us, brought us to our path, whether she did it intentionally or just by being by our sides, she was and always will be a navigator and guiding light for our lives. As many also know, Meri was never one to shy away from doing a bit of dirty work. This came from her humble upbringing, where she would always share with her children, ‘never pay someone to do something you can learn to do yourself,’ and true to her word, she would learn how to fix almost anything.

Her son ‘Little’ Jorge recalls driving from Tampa to visit during college. When he arrived at the boat, the covers were lifted off of the engines, and you could hear the clanging of tools against the huge diesel engines. Some mumbling and grumbling could be heard along with the calls from Meri, ‘Jorge, hand me the 3/4” wrench’. Little Jorge peered over the side of the boat and asked what they were doing. Without batting an eye, Meri popped her head up from the engine room and said ‘Oh, hi, babe. Todd (their mechanic) taught me how to replace the head gasket on this engine, and it needed to be done. Shouldn’t be much longer, go grab some spinach dip and a beer, and we’ll be done soon.” This was the true and absolute Meri covered in sweat and grease, sleeves rolled up, working on an engine with her hubby, with a huge smile on her face.

For her children, there are so many memories that it is hard to put into words what Meri truly meant to them. During the last few months of her life, every time she would speak with one of her children, she would always hang up the same way: ‘I love you more than you’ll ever know’…Impossible, Mom. We know how much you loved us; we feel it every time we close our eyes. You will be missed, but we take solace in knowing you are out there, sitting on your Sea Ray, floating through the cosmos with Dad.

She is survived by her three children, Marty Engelmann Jr (Jaclyn) of Tampa, FL, Franci Gargaro (John) of Coral Springs, FL, Jorge Diaz Jr (Jessica) of Fredrick, MD, and her two sisters, Francena Spragins of Buford, SC, and Heidi Stucki of Jupiter, FL. Meri was blessed to have six grandchildren: Trey, Nicholas, Jessica, Micah, Maddie, and Riley.

She was preceded in death by her husband and soulmate, Jorge Diaz, in 2025.

A celebration of life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Meri to a cause near and dear to Meri’s heart, ALS:

Ways to Give | The ALS Association

Friends are invited to send condolences via the online guest book, which can be found at www.MullinsCurtis.com.

Mullins & Curtis Affordable Funerals and Cremations, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.