Sylvia Velasquez

Sylvia Velasquez, age 91, passed away peacefully at her home in Petaluma, California on September 3, 2025. She is survived by her devoted children, Elaine Wade, Ellen Webster, Barbra Long, Theresa Miranda, John Velasquez, and Reena Brouse.

She is preceded in death by her parents Isaac and Ernestina Sanchez her loving husband Isaac Baltazar Velasquez and her beloved son Mike Velasquez. A cherished matriarch, Sylvia was not only a devoted and dedicated mother to seven children, but also a proud grandmother of 18, great-grandmother of 30, and great great-grandmother of 12. Her legacy is marked by love and dedication to family values.

Born in the picturesque village of Cebolla, New Mexico, on December 8, 1933, Sylvia spent her formative years immersed in the rich culture and close-knit community of her childhood. In her early school days, she enjoyed basketball and cheerleading and loved to sing. She also loved working in her parents’ convenience store, learning the art of playing pool, which is how she won the heart of her future husband Isaac. She married the love of her life, Isaac Baltazar Velasquez January 6, 1950, in Gallup, New Mexico, and shared sixty-one wonderful years.

Together they embarked on a journey that took them from their origins in Marin County to settling in Petaluma in 1968, where they nurtured and raised their beautiful family.

She was once asked, what was your greatest achievement, she answered my children and my family. Sylvia was a remarkably devoted mother, actively engaged in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She possessed a unique ability to listen with compassion, offer wisdom, and provide solutions, all delivered with grace and warmth. Her family and friends deeply admired her for those qualities, which made her a trusted confidant in times of need. One of Sylvias’ greatest joys was receiving photos and videos of her beloved family, relishing the moments of growth and milestones achieved by her grandchildren, a testament to her unwavering support and love. She took great delight in being an integral part of their lives until her final days.

Her extraordinary spirit was evidenced by the countless lives she touched, leaving an indelible mark on all those who had privilege of knowing her. Described by all as, kind, caring and generous. Sylvia was a devoted disciple of Christ and an exemplary Christian. For over 40 years, she and her husband served at Calvary Life church, immersing themselves in the community and dedicating their time to various ministries. She was particularly passionate about the Spanish ministry, where she and her husband, led Bible studies and offered guidance to those seeking spiritual growth.

Even in her 80’s, Sylvia maintained an insatiable thirst for knowledge. She excelled in history classes at Hillsdale College. and was awarded “Award of Certificates “of completion, while her most cherished reading material remained the Bible. A lover of history and politics, she often engaged in spirited debates, sharing her insights with those around her. She relished the opportunity to stay home with her children, instilling traditional values and nurturing a strong moral foundation that echoed through generations.

Sylvia Velasquez was a truly a remarkable woman whose legacy of kindness, faith, and love will forever be remembered. She will be profoundly missed by her surviving family members and everyone she encountered throughout her life. Her spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege to know her.