Tanya Rodak Sze

Tanya Rodak Sze, age 55, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, January 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after an arduous battle with cancer. She was born September 15, 1969, in Fort Worth, Texas to Susan and Marvin Rodak. Tanya graduated from high school and went on to achieve a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UT Austin. Early in her career, she worked as a program director for an extended care facility in Dallas before attaining her master’s in social work from UT Arlington and working as a social worker at Parkland Hospital in Dallas. She then obtained her law degree from Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth, Texas. Through her social work and career as a lawyer, she displayed her integrity by advocating for the justice of others. Tanya continued her career as an attorney after she married Dr. Michael Sze and retired to dedicate her time to raising her two daughters, Jaden and Nadia.

Many would describe Tanya as a “force of nature” and “one of a kind.” She was an especially loving, strong, and passionate woman who never ceased to amaze us. No matter what challenges she faced, Tanya continued to light up every room with her warm persona and spirited sense of humor. She was a nurturing mother and wife whose number one love was her family. Tanya placed her children before herself even in the darkest moments of her life.

As a woman of many diverse passions, the greatest of these was music. Ever since her childhood, music has given Tanya inspiration, comfort, and joy. Throughout her life, she had fulfilled this passion by playing several instruments, though she had a special affinity for the guitar. Tanya spent an abundance of time practicing and playing in local amateur bands, which she enjoyed dearly. Nature also had a very special place in Tanya’s heart as a peaceful retreat where God could be intimately felt. She sought nature through her travels to National Parks across the United States, some of her favorite being trips to the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and the Olympic National Parks.

Tanya leaves behind a loving, devoted husband: Michael Sze, her two beautiful daughters; Jaden and Nadia Sze, brothers; Steve Rodak (Dallas) and Patrick Culley (Dallas), mother; Susan Craig (LaRue, TX), father; Marvin Rodak (Ft. Worth), step father; Ted Craig (LaRue, TX) and two beloved dogs; Maya and Layla.

Memorial services will be at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one of Tanya’s favorite charities, Dallas Casa: https://dallascasa.org