Tributes

Sylvia Esparza, 71, was called home by our Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 5, 2022, surrounded by her family and following a brief and brave fight with cancer. Sylvia was born to Eva Villalon Esparza and the late Tony G. Esparza on December 5, 1950 in San Antonio, Texas. Being a military brat, she lived in far away countries, Casablanca, Morocco and the Province of Pordenone, Italy, before returning to San Antonio, TX where she grew up in the Loma Park neighborhood. Sylvia graduated from Edgewood High School in 1968 and went on to attend the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in August of 1975. After graduating from UTEP, Sylvia worked for the YWCA and YMCA in San Antonio, Texas and then worked with a number of airlines, including Texas International Airlines, British Caledonian and British Airways, where she retired after 34 years of dedicated service in the airline industry. Sylvia’s career gave her the opportunity to live in various parts of the United States including Houston, Texas; San Francisco, California; Chicago, Illinois; Washington, D.C., and Dallas, Texas. Sylvia’s sense of adventure and love of travel extended beyond her career and led her to explore many countries around the world which included trips to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Far East. She shared her passion of travel with those that she loved and through her journeys, established amazing relationships and friendships that stood the test of time and reached to all corners of the world. When Sylvia retired from British Airways in 2009, she returned to San Antonio, Texas and enjoyed her retirement years spending time with her close family and friends. Those who were blessed to have known Sylvia know she was a selfless and giving woman who offered her help without hesitation to anybody in need. She was a woman of many talents and was known for her love of baking, beautiful calligraphy, and talent for crafts and sewing. Balancing her artistic endeavors, she had a love of the outdoors, especially spending time in her garden and swimming. As recently as August 2022, Sylvia taught countless infants and young children to swim and devoted many of her summers bringing joy to them and their parents alike. Sylvia is preceded in death by her father, Tony G. Esparza. She is survived by her mother, Eva Esparza; brother, Tony G. Esparza; sisters Rosie Perez (husband Alex); Mary Ellen Rodriguez (husband Jerry); and nieces and nephews, Alex Perez, Jr., Kathy Rodriguez, Tanya Aleman, and Ryan Rodriguez; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews - all of whom she loved as her own. Sylvia was loved by so many. Her positive outlook, generous spirit, and kind heart left an impression wherever she went. Whether it was a family gathering in Texas or an adventure across the globe, she brought a presence and warmth to wherever she was. Her welcoming nature, warm smile and patience will never be forgotten. Services will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 3107 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78212. A Rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a mass and reception to follow. Services will also be live streamed on Facebook via Sylvia’s FB profile. Instead of flowers, contributions can be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation or the charity of your choice in Sylvia’s name. Sylvia's interment will be held after the new year. Details to follow.

Tributes

SYLVIA VILLALON ESPARZA

December 5, 1950 - November 5, 2022