Sylvia Rodriguez

Sylvia G. Rodriguez, born in Laredo, Texas on July 28, 1941 was called home to the Lord in the early hours of January 23rd, 2013 after surviving multiple bouts with cancer for over 16 years. Her life was driven by her faith, commitment to family and dedication to community and public service, always giving, teaching, loving, and leading.

She embraced Chapter 4 verse 13 from Paul's Letter to Philippians: "I have the strength for everything through Him who empowers me." Sylvia is preceded in death by her brother, Eusebio Hector Dilley Sr, her mother, Maria Garza & father, Cristobal de la Garza along with her aunt and uncle Narciso and Francisca Dilley. Sylvia is survived by her husband "sweet'ert" Eugene (Gene) Rodriguez, her daughter "mija", Clarissa M. Rodriguez, her beloved pug, Dunkie, Dora Dilley, Jeannette & Telesforo Gutierrez, Yolanda & John Johnson, Roger Rodriguez, Nancy Rodriguez & Viviana Enrique, Carol & Larry Medellin, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Anthony & Hilda Rodriguez and numerous nieces and nephews.

She had a deep and abiding faith that sustained her through every hardship and motivated her to be a devoted wife and mother, a favorite Tia and Madrina, an endearing Comadre, friend and colleague, a committed community service volunteer, a national Hispanic political leader and a trailblazing,role model for woman.

Many will remember Sylvia's porcelain skin, her great fashion sense, marvelous cooking and amazing organizational skills that allowed her to orchestrate successful community events, political and fund raising campaigns, and meetings of the Democratic Party and numerous women's organizations.

For almost 20 years Sylvia and her husband Gene served as Volunteer Coordinators for the Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner and Sylvia continued her service organizing and coordinating hundreds of volunteers or 10 years as Director of the annual San Fernando Health and Safety Fair which provides health screenings and medical consultations to thousands of uninsured and undocumented persons who otherwise would not have access to health care.

Sylvia is a long-time Democratic Party activist who started her career working for State Senator Joe J Bernal. She was an active precinct chair and played a leadership role in the election of many Democratic Party candidates and a driving force in countless women candidate campaigns. She was a key leader of the Mexican American Democrats (MAD) of Texas and earned the honor of being elected "Democratic Woman of the Year". Sylvia was elected to the Democratic National Committee in the 1978 where she was the founder and first Chair of its Hispanic Caucus. In 1980 Sylvia was invited by President Jimmy Carter to lead in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance at the National Democratic Convention.

Sylvia will be remembered by former Councilwoman Maria A. Berriozabal, Mayor Julian Castro, Congressman Joaquin Castro, ACCD Trustee Joe Alderete, former Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl, ACCD Trustee Anna U Bustamante, former State Representative Christine Hernandez, former Bexar County Democratic Chair Choco G. Meza, Governor Mark White, President Jimmy Carter, President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, President Barack Obama, and so many more elected officials throughout Texas. Sylvia was one of those life-long Democrats that fought daily to level the playing field for everyone.

Over the years she was a Eucharistic Minister and Lector, a proud member of Las Damas de San Fernando, Political Divas of San Antonio, a founding member and Treasurer of Hispanic Women's Network of Texas, Hispanas Unidas, Women's Employment Network, and board member of the San Antonio Development Agency, San Antonio Port Authority, Parent Child Incorporated, YWCA, Inman Christian Center, Commission for Mexican American Affairs, and Health/Welfare Council of the National Capital Area in Washington, DC often serving an officer or Chair.

In 2011, Sylvia was inducted into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame. Her family and closest friends will remember her for her devotion to her husband of 45 years, Gene Rodriguez, whom she affectionately called "sweet'ert and her lovely daughter "mija" Clarissa M. Rodriguez, an attorney.

Sylvia was a "one of kind woman". She will be missed at the Divas' weekly Friday breakfasts at Mi Tierra, and for her annual homemade Tamalada dinners, beautiful Christmas decorations, meticulous and elegant table settings, exquisite culinary skills, and that smile that made you feel special and loved. And who can forget her devotion to the SA SPURS or her beloved pug Dunkie.

Sylvia will always be remembered, loved, and honored for being a real Renaissance woman.

Services include: January 30th Visitation at 5:00 pm, Prayer Service at 7:00 pm at Porter Loring McCullough ; January 31st 10:00 Mass of Resurrection at San Fernando Cathedral followed by a Celebration of Life at the Cathedral's ATT Center and Interment Services on February 5th at 10:45 am at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to San Fernando Health & Safety Fair at PO Box 682, SA, Tx 78203 or START Center Thrivewell Cancer Treatment Foundation, PO Box 29331, SA, TX 78229.