Obituary of Sylvia Cortinas Guajardo

Our beloved Sylvia Cortinas Guajardo, age 75, was called to our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Selso G. and Beatriz R. Cortinas and her sister, Elida Cortinas Alvarado.

Sylvia is survived by her loving husband, Alfonso Guajardo; her children, Tina Guajardo, Samantha Guajardo Briceño (Luciano), Edna A. Cortinas; her treasured grandchildren, Zoe Briceño, Bella Briceño, and Santiago Briceño; her siblings, Sulema Martinez (Guadalupe), Gilbert Cortinas (Rita), Alfred Cortinas, and Steve Cortinas (Armida), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends.

“Gigi,” as she was affectionately called by her grandbabies, grew up in Taft, Texas where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Alfonso. When Al returned from Vietnam, he and his Baby Doll, as he called Sylvia, moved to Austin and started their family. Sylvia cared for her daughters as a stay-at-home mother and made sure they had a childhood each would never forget.

When their daughters were both in school, Sylvia got a job teaching preschool and showered her students with the same love and support she gave to her own children and extended family. She will be remembered by the lifelong friends she worked with at Manchaca Baptist Childcare Center. Throughout the years, Sylvia’s kind, motherly nature, and words of wisdom were also experienced by several nieces, nephews, as well as their daughter’s friends throughout the years. 

Being a “Gigi” was something that came naturally to her.  She would spend hours with Zoe, Bella, and Tiago baking cookies, cheering for them at volleyball and soccer games, and helping with homework.  She loved having the kids with her and they will never forget her and their times together.  

Sylvia was not only a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother, she was a loyal and compassionate friend. She never forgot a birthday or a special occasion, she made sure to send a handwritten note or a Christmas card. Sylvia always made time for her friends, and loved all of them like family, especially her Commadres.

Sylvia was a godly woman and her faith was strong.  She was a member of San Jose Catholic Church and attended mass regularly.  During her illness she even made sure to attend mass virtually.  Her relationship with God and the Virgen of Guadalupe never faltered. 

The Guajardo and Cortinas families would like to thank the doctors and nurses of St.David’s Medical Center South Austin 6th floor, the Intensive Care Unit doctors and nurses, especially Sara and Stephanie.  A special thank you also goes to Dr. Kohli and her staff at Premier Family Physicians, Dr. Gayatri Nair, and Dr. Rene Castillo along with Dr. Ryan Tierney and the staff at Texas Oncology Center.

Pallbearers will be her nephews, Michael Cortinas, Noah Cortinas, Matthew Martinez, Edward Narvaez, Andrew Guajardo, Benjamin Guajardo, Christian Guajardo, and Miguel Treviño.  Honorary Pallbearers will be her brothers, Alfred Cortinas, Gilbert Cortinas, Steve Cortinas; her grandchildren, Zoe Briceño, Bella Briceño, and Santiago Briceño, and her son-in-law, Luciano Briceño.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-9:00 p.m. with Recitation of Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Mission Funeral Home - South Side, 6204 S. First St., Austin, Texas.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at San Jose Catholic Church, 2435 Oak Crest, Austin, Texas.  Burial will follow at Onion Creek Memorial Park Cemetery, 11610 Chapel Ln., Austin, Texas. Reception to follow at Onion Creek Senior Center, 420 Barton Crossing, Buda, Texas.

Rosary will be live-streamed to allow those unable to attend to participate.  Follow link to Facebook Live Mission - South Side

Mass will be live-streamed to allow those unable to attend to participate.  Follow link to Facebook Live San Jose Catholic Church