Sylvia A. Navarro

Sylvia's early life was greatly influenced by her mother Delores Galvan, a woman of strong character. Sylvia's father, Evaristo Guerrero, split away from the family when Sylvia was a young adult. This situation led Sylvia to embrace a life-long spirit of family above self which is her authentic legacy. While very close to her siblings and their families, Viola Rafferty (Robert) and Julian Carlos (JC) Guerrero (Irma), she also forged cherished relationships with her other siblings Ted Guerrero, Evelia Rivera, and Edward Guerrero, siblings of her future husband, and the many nieces and nephews of her extended family.

Devoted love belonged to her own family; husband Lieutenant Colonel (Air Force, retired) Lloyd Navarro who predeceased her two decades ago, and their four children, Lloyd, Leslie, Lisa, and Lela. One of her deepest joys was when all of her children found their own devoted life partners which led to seven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandkids, each of whom held a special place in her wonderful heart. A fond remembrance is that the song "We are Family" by Sister Sledge always gave good cause for Sylvia and family to rise to their feet and dance together.

Sylvia held education in high regard. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1954 and was a multi-year member of the school's Red Jacket program. She graduated from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas with a Bachelor's Teaching Degree while raising her family. During her husband's deployments and High School teaching assignments, she attained several post-graduate degrees from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska and University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska. There is little doubt her fervent passion for life-long learning, embodied by the family mantra "Shoot for the Stars", was the catalyst for her immediate family's collective attainment of 44 academic and vocational school degrees from high school to post graduate doctorate levels.

Friends were many throughout her ninety years on earth. These hailed from her time as a military spouse when wives bonded together as their own tribe during their husband's frequent service deployments, from former students and colleagues when she held positions in Nebraska, North Dakota, Alaska, Texas, from acquaintances when she was Executive Assistant to CEOs in for-profit (Kallestad Labs) and academic (Texas State University) settings, and from relationships with close neighbors and caregivers while in retirement. Even infants encountered through happenstance became momentarily friends as Sylvia could never resist giving them a hug, smile, and complement.

Sylvia will be remembered for her matriarchal presence, her compassionate caregiving, and her sageful outspokenness (whether you liked it or not). Regarding the latter, she recently remarked not to be too sad since all is as it should be - no parent should outlive their children. She is survived by: her children, Lloyd Navarro (Leslie Hamilton), Leslie Navarro (Tina Edwards) Lisa Popper (Charles Popper), and Lela Walker (Mark Walker), and extended siblings Evelia Rivera, and Edward Guerrero, her grandchildren Ashleigh Hill (Billy Paul), Valarie Thiels (Chris), Jacob Navarro (Katelyn), A'Lisa Veal (J), Matthew Navarro (Anna), Alekzandr Popper, McKenzi Popper, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who frequented her life.

Sylvia passed peacefully with dignity in the comfort of home hospice care surrounded by family. The family gratefully recognizes the caring support provided by her long-time companion caregivers inclusive of daughters Lela and Lisa, and the family and friends who made her feel special with their visits. Though her journey on earth has ended, she is graced to be with the Good Lord and in the loving arms of her husband. Sylvia will live on forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218, US, on October 8, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a Prayer Service at Sunset Funeral Home on October 8, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218, US, on October 9, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78704, US, on October 10, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.

in lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to an organization of your choosing in memory of Sylvia.