Alma Sylvia Vela, 72, of Brownsville, TX devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend entered into eternal rest on January 25th, 2023 in Austin, TX. The family is deeply saddened by her sudden death. Sylvia was born on December 12th 1950 to Gilberto & Mildred Pineda of Brownsville, TX. She considered Harlingen, TX home.
Sylvia was a fervent leader, not only did she excel in academics, she was a multifacet maverick who participated in many clubs and organizations. Sylvia attended Brownsville High School where she was a member of the ROTC, the Eaglettes and was recognized as a ROTC Sweetheart. After graduating high school in 1969, Sylvia went on to receive a BA degree in Spanish with a minor in English and Sociology at Texas Woman’s University.
Sylvia excelled in college and also continued her strive for excellence as she was member of Phi Sigma Iota, elected Spanish club President and she worked in the Foreign Language department as a student assistant.
After graduation she returned to the valley where she was wed in 1977. Though this relationship was not permanent, they did have three children together, whom they loved dearly.
Sylvia continued proving her born leadership skills when she entered the workforce in social work as she led many teams and departments throughout her 27 year tenure. She retired in 2010 as a Texas Department of Aging Disabilities Services Program Manager where she is remembered for her strong support of staff who worked in the frontlines and her deep commitment to the eligible consumers in her part of Texas. Sylvia showed a passion for her job and worked long hours to ensure the job was completed accurately and on time.
Sylvia showed great strength and kindness throughout the course of her life and was a pillar of her community, always helping those in need whether to a close friend or stranger. She enjoyed giving advice, lending a hand, and assisting wherever she could and especially loved taking care of the elderly. She also served on numerous organizations including Harlingen Leadership, the Harlingen School Board, City Council, Loaves and Fishes and served various board positions. She was very active politically within her community going above and beyond to campaign and support local leaders. She put a lot of importance into her children’s education and served as PTA President from Elementary through High School.
Out of all her accomplishments in life, nothing made her happier than raising her 3 loving children and spending time with her grandchildren. She made sure to always put her children first and made sacrifices to make sure her children were set up for success. She was an extremely proud and loving mother and grandmother.
Her favorite pastimes included dancing, socializing, reading, and attending church.
Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents Gilberto G. Pineda and Mildred T. Pineda.
Left to cherish her memory are her children Sabrina A. Vela (Brandon) Pace, Salina A. Vela (Timothy McCormack) and Salvador G. Vela III (Nicole Husbands); grandchildren Blake M. Wiggin, Austin V. Byus, Preston S. McCormack, Elizabeth Husbands; siblings Armando Loy (Leila) Pineda, Gilbert Louis (Diane) Pineda, Henry (Violet) Pineda, Nancy (Jesse) Saldaña, Dottie (Dan) Bacalis.
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, February 2nd, from 1:00-8:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held Friday, February 3rd at 2:00 PM at Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Interment will follow at Buena Vista Burial Park. Funeral services have been entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. 657 Springmart Blvd., Brownsville, Texas. (956) 350-8485