Carmencita “Carmen” Yolanda Diaz, age 50, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 with her family at her side. She was born on January 9, 1976 in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Modesto and Norma (Llamado) Diaz.

Carmen was a proud Filipino American.  She was known as Ate (pronounced Ah-teh) which means "older sister" in Tagalog, but her favorite names were Mom, Tita (pronounced TEE-tuh and means "aunt" in Tagalog), and Aunt.  She adored her son and all of her nieces and nephews.  She always gave them meaningful gifts or fed them delicious food, especially her desserts.

She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Botany, Anthropology and Museum Science Certification from Michigan State University. She found her true vocation after receiving an Associate's Degree in Sonography (ultrasound) from Lansing Community College.  She cared deeply about her patients and often went above and beyond her role as a sonographer to care for her patients.

Carmen had a passion for art and science, and she worked hard to instill that passion in her son.  For his birthdays, she made sure to have a craft or cool science experiment to bring the kids together. She loved to spend time with family and friends. She enjoyed good food and was a great cook. She had a love for music and artistic expression. She was a proficient pianist who loved to sing, make pottery, and craft.

Carmen was preceded in death by her father Modesto Diaz and brother-in-law David Jakob. She is survived by her husband, Scott Jakob; son, Miles Jakob; mother, Norma Diaz; sister, Josefina Diaz Shen; brother-in-law David Shen; brother, Mariano Benjamin (Ben) Diaz; sister-in-law, Kimberly Diaz; nieces Makana Diaz, Jordan Palchak-Jakob, Mariah Diaz, Elena Shen, Malaya Diaz; nephews Josiah Diaz, Joshua (Cruz) Diaz, Alexander (Alex) Shen; father-in-law and mother-in-law Ronald (Ron) and Florene Jakob; brother-in-law Robert Jakob.

Carmen's Celebration of Life will be held at 7:00 p.m. at One Church on Friday, May 22, 2026. Family will receive the public from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. One Church is located at 3355 Dunckel Road, Lansing, MI 48911. In lieu of flowers donations may be done through Paypal at @RememberingCarmen.