Sidney Carroll Tupa

She met the love of her life in Ganado, Texas. She and Charles grew up there and were high school sweethearts. After moving to Austin and finishing cosmetology school, they were married on June 8, 1964. Sidney’s mom, Cassia, taught her five daughters to work hard and HUG! Sidney welcomed her family, friends, and many strangers into her arms for a strong, caring, and loving embrace.

Sidney grew up in the Church of Christ. She remembered being there anytime the doors were open. She learned to study her Bible, trust in Jesus, serve her community, and love people. She took her passion for serving to Austin, where she made lifelong friends through the Austin Junior Forum, Fiesta at Laguna Gloria Art Museum, the Austin Aqua Festival, North Oaks Elementary PTA, and beyond.

If her kids were involved, she was too. If her friends needed help, she was there. With a smile on her face, even into her 80th year, she loved to bake muffins and hand-deliver them to her neighbors. If you knew her, you loved her—and she loved you.

She was a master in the kitchen. She never ran out of food, whether at a simple family dinner or while entertaining friends. Leftovers meant company. Our parents loved to entertain! Sidney was always the last to sit down at a family meal, as she finished making coffee, cutting her brownies or cake, and making sure everyone had all they needed. Everything she made was delicious!

Sidney’s creativity was a thread that wove throughout her life. She made most of our Halloween costumes, prom dresses, and birthday cakes, and she was so thoughtful in her gift-giving. She and Charles’ generosity bloomed like their beautiful three-tiered garden. It was an oasis that holds the love and memories from countless birthdays, baby and bridal showers, weddings, and an untold number of parties.

Sidney opened Head Lines in October 1983, after a lucrative career as a cosmetologist that began on the Guadalupe “Drag,” then at Janett’s and Heritage, before fulfilling her dream of owning her own salon. She won styling competitions and LOVED helping others achieve their goals. Her business was one of her greatest passions that led to deep relationships. Everyone who came through the “shop” doors was greeted gleefully by Sidney.

She would like you to know that her favorite color was green; that things that made her laugh included her children’s funny jokes; that some of her proudest moments were when her children got married and had babies of their own; that what she loved most was her family; and that what she hoped others learned from her was patience and love.

Even at the end of her life, when things were hard, she had a sweet and kind spirit. She knew everyone’s name. Everyone mattered to her because they matter to God. If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, she would love knowing that her celebration of life was a starting point. Her empty seat at the table will be a catalyst for thousands of stories yet to be remembered, and for the light and love that came so easily to her. May it be an example for us all.

We love you, Mom.