Sylvia P. (Dillon) Valdez

The death of Sylvia Dillon Valdez came too soon for her hundreds of friends and family members. Sylvia was always putting others before herself.

She joined Sister Bernadette from St. Columban’s Catholic Church for the purpose of educating local communities in the dangers of human trafficking.She even traveled with Sister Kathleen to rescue trafficking victims in Nigeria where men brandished guns as Syl’s bus traveled to the nuns’ convent. In addition, she coordinated funerals and weddings at St. Columban’s Church.

The courage Sylvia exhibited in her fight for lung cancer inspired her doctor to ask her to join a wellness group where as a volunteer, she counseled others facing the difficult cancer challenge.

Over the years, Sylvia invited 33 people who were down on their luck to live in her home. She brought in cancer patients - fed and cared for them, people who lost their jobs and needed discounted rent, victims of abuse, and those who were homeless. She shared what little she had to give others hope.

Every Christmas she decorated 8 trees in her house and hosted Christmas dinners for the wellness group, family, school classmates, and charity organizations. On Christmas Day, she drove around town with her friend Carole and passed out warm clothing for the homeless.

When she went on Hospice, she wanted a celebration of life so that one-on-one she could thank everyone for what they meant to her.

Those blessed to have known Sylvia Dillon Valdez are aware that in Sylvia, we had a “Saint Among Us” . Is it any wonder she was nominated “Woman of the Year “ in Garden Grove? Those who knew Sylvia are like birds escaping a cage, free to be like her, better people than when they met her.

A rosary service for Sylvia will be held Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Saint Columban Catholic Church, 10801 Stanford Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840. Following the rosary service will be a mass from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at St. Columban Catholic, 10801 Stanford Ave,, Garden Grove, CA 92840.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sylvia's memory may be made to Religious Sisters of Charity, Venmo: @Kathleen-Bryant-58, 10668 St James Drive, Culver City, CA 90230.