Sarah Jane Abrego-Diaz, age 52, has gone to be with her Lord and savior on Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

She was born on March 19, 1952, in Albert Lea, to the late Manuel Esparza Abrego and Matilda Victoria Garcia. She attended Albert Lea High School and earned an associates degree from University of Arlington, Texas.

Sarah was a licensed social worker and worked at the Salvation Army and Arlington Women’s Shelter.

Her husband, Juan Diaz, survives Sarah; and four children from previous marriage to Israel Barrera Sr.: Israel A. Barrera Jr., Augustine A. Barrera and wife Elvia,

Teresa Marie Barrera, and Raymundo A. Barrera and wife Monica.

She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Jessica Marie Espinoza, Gus Napoleon Raney III, Brianna Marie Perez, Lezlie Marianne Perez, Josiah Marcus Perez, Hannah Aleandra Barrera, Magdalene Sarah Barrera, Nicholas Isaac Barrera, and Adrianna Marie Barrera.

She is also survived by two brothers:Joseph and his wife Joyce Abrego, Manuel Abrego Jr. and friend Elliel seven sisters: Phyllis and her husband Joe Talemantes, Kathy and her husband Frank Diaz, Josephine and her husband David Olivo, Mariana and her husband Lyle Smith, Margaret Abrego, Christina Ruiz,Angel Abrego; and special aunts; Sarah and Genevie Abrego. She is further survived by many other nieces, nephews, and many other friends.

In addition to parents; baby brother, Martin Abrego, precedes her in death.

She will also be missed by many friends that supported her throughout her illness; friends at Arlington Women’s Shelter and personal friends: Toy Wooley, Adela Ramirez, Jesus Alvarado Rincon and many of her clients that supported her in her last days.

Services will be held at Saint Theodore Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11. Place of burial will be at St. Theodore Catholic Cemetery in Albert Lea.