Sylvia Parra Olguin

With a deep love and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Sylvia Parra Olguin. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Sylvia passed away on the 30th of June surrounded by her loving family. Sylvia is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Aquiles Olguin of Brownsville, Texas. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her six children: Rosie Parra (Kelly) Halbert, Aquiles (Lisa Kahanek Porter) Olguin Jr., Armando (Jonoa) Olguin, Arnie (Kim) Olguin, Melissa (Cito) Casiano, and Sally (Amy Rutstein) Olguin. She was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren: Armando R.(Cyndie) Olguin, Jennifer (Julian Rios) Olguin, Jessica Olguin, Mia Casiano, Alize Olguin, Noah Olguin, Ty Olguin, and Jadyn Rutstein and cherished great grandmother to six: Sofia Olguin, Aubrianna Olguin, Avayah Olguin, Elijah Lopez, Eliza Kolp, and Jenson Rios. She is also remembered with love by many brothers, sisters, and extended family members. Sylvia is reunited in Heaven with her parents, her in-laws, her infant daughter Maria Olguin, two grandchildren, her great grandchild Baby J and her dear brothers and sisters who went before her.

Born with a generous heart and a vibrant spirit, Sylvia married Aquiles on the 7th of May, 1965 and soon after they began their family. She worked alongside her husband and extended family in migrant labor, picking fruits and vegetables with tireless dedication. Eventually, they settled in Dallas where Sylvia poured her love and energy into raising her children and supporting her community. She was a devoted volunteer at St. Edwards Catholic Church and Ascher Silberstein Elementary where her children attended school.

In the 80s she started her work at H.S. Thompson Elementary in South Dallas. There she made a lasting impact as an ESL aide, helping countless Hispanic children feel seen, supported, and capable. Her creativity and dedication filled classrooms with color, warmth, and care. She was known for her bulletin boards, decorative efforts and endless contributions to the school's environment. Sylvia became a beloved fixture at H.S. Thompson and formed deep friendships with fellow teachers, assistants, her principal, and many parents.

Sylvia's generosity knew no bounds. Whether organizing Christmas presents, Thanksgiving meals, or supporting anyone in need at school, soccer or in her family, she always gave her all. Her love extended from Dallas to Brownsville and beyond. Her joyful energy was unmistakable: always laughing, always smiling, whistling a tune, and keeping her family on their toes with her wit and playfulness. She made each person feel uniquely loved as though they were her favorite because to Sylvia they truly were.

She welcomed countless children into her home and heart over the years, treating them as her own. Her deep love for her husband and family was the foundation of everything she did, and her legacy of kindness, humor, and wholehearted devotion will live on in all who were blessed to know her. Sylvia Olguin was a force of light and she will never be forgotten.

Momma we love you, we adore you...and yes you beat us!

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that you donate to St.Jude in honor of Sylvia.