Silvana Carina Arnold

Born in Houston to parents of Argentine descent, Silvana embraced her cultural heritage and became fluent in Spanish as well as English. She went on to earn a degree in Bilingual Education from Houston Baptist University. Silvana was very close to her extended family in Argentina and was happy to take her son Matteo for an extended visit this past summer.

Silvana also enjoyed trips to Europe with friends and family. She loved Switzerland and the South of France, but her favorite place in the world was Italy. She particularly loved Lake Como, Sardinia, and the Amalfi Coast. The clean air and fresh food there reflected the healthy, quality living she became known for and inspired so many others to follow. When she and Paul discovered the small community of Alys Beach, so carefully styled after the Mediterranean locales they loved while so close to home, they knew it would be their second home. Silvana decorated the house to perfection and hosted countless friends and extended family over the years, all of whom she spoiled with her amazing cooking and gracious warmth. To those lucky enough to be her friends, Silvana’s generosity knew no bounds.

Silvana’s loved ones also benefited from her natural talent for design. She styled interiors for friends whenever asked, no matter how busy her life might have been at the time, throwing herself with gusto and passion into each individual project as if it were her own. This generosity extended beyond friends and family; when Matteo was in elementary school, Silvana led the decorating committee every year. She was well known throughout the school for her elaborate handmade decorations, such as her magnificent life-size candyland. Ever thoughtful, Silvana made sure that all of the various holidays were not only colorful and joyful, but also religiously inclusive.

Silvana brought her talent for decorating to the themed parties she hosted. Whether Valentine’s Day parties for Matteo’s homeroom or the annual Halloween party that spanned a neighborhood block, Silvana’s creativity, attention to detail, and passion shone through. Even as she fought her own health battles through the years, Silvana always found the time and energy to focus on others. From Matteo’s annual birthday parties to elaborate parties for friends to her brother’s elegant wedding, Silvana poured her whole heart into making her loved ones feel special.

Of the many people Silvana loved, Matteo was the shining beacon in her life that outshone all others. Silvana’s world revolved around Matteo. She encouraged piano and tennis, taught him Spanish, and volunteered for everything possible at his school. She took the time to get to know his friends, who all adored her. When Matteo turned thirteen, Silvana threw an elaborate 80’s themed party and seamlessly incorporated the Bar Mitzvah traditions that were meaningful to her family. She attended to every detail personally, from the vintage movie posters to the 80’s candy she found in a small specialty store.

In keeping with her giving nature, Silvana made time for community outreach and made sure to instill an appreciation for giving back in Matteo. When he was 8 years old, Silvana arranged for him to play the piano for the seniors at a retirement home. They would take homemade cookies for the residents to enjoy while Matteo played. The tradition continued for many years. When Matteo was older and became proficient in tennis, Silvana encouraged him to volunteer for Aceing Autism, where he taught tennis to autistic children. Later, Silvana and Matteo came up with the idea for their very own non-profit. Noticing how quickly kids outgrow shoes, they created a charity that would collect used children’s shoes in the local community, clean and sort them, then re-distribute them to children in need. Thanks to Silvana’s ever giving nature, “Linked Laces” was born and the paperwork was filed with her signature. This, like so many of her legacies, will live on.

Silvana had many facets. She was a loving wife and daughter, adoring mother, cancer warrior, fiercely loyal friend, effortless hostess, philanthropist, and animal lover to name only a few. Those who knew her all agree on one thing: anyone whose life was touched by Silvana’s light was truly blessed.

Silvana was preceded in death by her grandparents Elida Steinman Cynkier and Isaac Cynkier, and Faiga Peniak Zabarski and Jacobo Zabarski.

She is survived by her husband Paul Arnold and their beloved son Matteo Pablo Arnold Zabarski; by her parents, Alicia Cynkier Zabarski and Jaime Zabarski; and by her brother Marcelo Zabarski and his wife Patricia.

Silvana is also survived by her beloved Argentine family including her aunt Raquel Cynkier Epstein and uncle Alberto Epstein; cousin Melina Cynkier; and cousin Alan Epstein (wife Mariela); and by Alan and Mariela’s daughter Luisita.

In addition, Silvana is survived by mother-in law Diana Arnold; by her niece Kristin Tureau; by Matteo's Godmother Karen Arnold and Karen’s children Karina, Anthony and Ryan.

Silvana is further survived by numerous close friends who loved her dearly and whom she considered family. Silvana’s family would like to acknowledge June Lovland and her children Madelaine and Sebastian; Carrie Chaplan and her daughter Katie; Sima and Hinal Patel and their children Rohan and Rhea; Shruti and Sunil Patel and their children Siya and Mira; and Mari and Jaime Garcia and their children Silvanita (Silvana’s namesake), Jaime and Kassandra.

The family will hold a private service. For those wishing to memorialize Silvana, please visit her online tribute page at Dignity Memorial where fond memories, photos, and words of comfort can be shared with her family.