Sylvia Hernandez Tolentino

Born in San Pablo City, Philippines, to Elpidio Hernandez and Guadalupe Ilagan, Sylvia was the youngest amongst her siblings and orphaned at a young age. She met Silvino Tolentino, an enlisted sailor in the U.S. Navy, in San Pablo in her 20s. They married and had their first child Barbara. As a young family, Silvino received orders to be stationed in Florida. The family took the long and arduous trip from the Philippines to Florida in a C5 Galaxy. This was Sylvia's first trip outside of her native home, let alone in a very large and loud military plane where tanks and equipment were being transported. The family grew as they relocated along the East Coast to Florida, where Arlene was born, New Hampshire, Virginia, South Carolina, where Myra and Anthony were born, and then to Hawaii and California.

Sylvia embraced the life of a Navy wife. While Silvino was out to sea, she took advantage of programs on the military base such as cake baking classes, and crocheting. She was a social butterfly and loved to be in the company of friends, taking the children to family programs and activities and meeting other military wives and their children in the neighborhood. Her heart was huge for the friendships she had made. To this very day, the family is still connected with the families they grew up with. She cooked amazing Filipino dishes and desserts. No one went hungry around her.

Sylvia’s feet never rested, and neither did her spirit. She shared her vibrant energy through art and dance by participating in senior Filipino pageants or line dancing, she was always in step with joy. Her favorite stages-the senior community center in Mira Mesa, adult daycare in San Marcos and her last residence in Escondido-became places where laughter and rhythm intertwined, surrounded by fellow Filipino aunties, uncles, lolas, lolos and caretakers who shared her love for music, movement, togetherness and community.

Sylvia’s memory will be lovingly carried forward by her children and their spouses: Barbara and Miguel Reyes, Arlene and Bryce Guthrie; Myra and Frank Fan, Lisa Sulit and Anthony Tolentino; her seven beloved grandchildren; and former spouse, Silvino Tolentino.

A private remembrance gathering will be held at a later date.

'The family suggests that those who wish to express sympathy consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.'