Sylvia Carol Branzei-Velasquez

Sylvia Branzei-Velasquez’s spirit left her body on Tuesday, January 27th. She passed on to the other side with her life partner, Byron, by her side in her home in Williams; of course, she waited until the hockey game ended.

She was the Detroit daughter of four girls born to Sylvia and Alexander Branzei. She leaves behind a legacy of many notable achievements, such as her book Rebel in a Dress, the Grossology books and franchise, and making magical music in many bands with her husband, including their children’s band Wacky Dog. She was passionate, well-traveled, educated, and a North Star for many. Most of all, she walked this earth leading with integrity and joy, inspiring the lives of others—from her four-legged friends to the communities she lived in, and across the world—through her presence, her writing, her work as a teacher, including her teaching initiative in Myanmar. She encouraged others to believe in themselves and pursue education.

In her forever pursuit of spreading knowledge, she donated her body to science. Per her wishes, no life celebration will be held, but in her honor, we do a joyful dance. Go dog go!