Sylvia Alvarez

Sylvia Alvarez, 56, of Austin, Texas passed away on September 1, 2015 surrounded by her family and close friends. She was born June 18, 1959 in Bakersfield, California to Dolores and Mary Lucy Adams Alvarez. She was one of seven children, all raised in Bakersfield, California. Her strong family values and dedicated work ethic were established at a young age as her family worked side by side in the rich agricultural fields of California.

Sylvia started her family in California but moved to Texas with her four children in the 1980’s, where her fifth child was born. Sylvia was a beautiful and loving daughter, mother and grandmother. She was strong-willed, brave, caring, very independent and selflessly always put her family first. She adored her grandchildren and spoiled them at every opportunity. Holidays were always spent with the entire family and always involved wonderful meals. She involved her family in the preparations, sharing with them her recipes and preparation techniques. It was very important to Sylvia that her family traditions continued through her children and grand-children. One of the family favorites was her homemade tamales on Christmas day. All family gathering began with hugs and kisses and concluded with the same. This important legacy of her love and affection will continue through her family.

Sylvia also loved to travel, especially to the peaceful Texas coast with her family. She was a woman who sought experience and could rarely be found at home, preferring to spend time with friends and family. Many family outings revolved around Sylvia’s love of food. She enjoyed sharing her new restaurant discoveries throughout the Austin area and also spent many day excursions in San Antonio to enjoy the market place. When Sylvia was found at home she always had grandchildren vying for their turn to spend cherished nights with her. She created many memories with her grandchildren in her home purposely void of the distractions of cable or videogames.

Sylvia was also was very dedicated to her career with Wal-Mart where she was employed for 24 years. She learned most aspects of the retail operation through the years but was especially proud of her last position as an optician, which she enjoyed for the last ten years.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lucy Alvarez; sister, Terry Alvarez and brother, James Alvarez. She leaves to cherish her memory her father Dolores Alvarez; children, Jose Reyes, Maria Reyes, Juan Reyes, Manuel Reyes and Marisela Reyes; brothers, Thomas Alvarez, Jesse Alvarez, Jeff Alvarez and Jose Alvarez; eleven grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. She will be greatly missed.