Hi There, 
I met Sylvia 7 years ago when I started my own clinic and she supported us with her job as a On-call Service coordinator.  She quickly became part of the team in the clinic.  Even though she wasn't seen physically in the office, I knew that she was a caring person because she loved her job and the connection she would give patients to their doctor.  She had genuine care for our patients in need but also for me as a provider.  She would  often ask how I was doing and was so caring for my well-being.
I am so saddened to hear of her passing but want her family and friends to know that she has left a lasting impression of kindness and grace in my heart!  My deepest condolences.  Alwyn Koil, MD of Journey Pediatrics

Our heartfelt condolences to Josh and Stacy, and Syl's sisters and their families.
May happy memories from her life bring you comfort.
Love, cousin Lollie and Rey

Our cousin Bill wrote this to me about Syl:
"When we would go [to El Paso] to visit, I remember Sylvia as a beautiful and ethereal flower child filled with so much light and joy. 
"I loved being around her and remember spending lots of time with her because she enjoyed taking us places when we were there."


WORKING TOGETHER OVER THE YEARS, WE SHARED SO MANY LAUGHS! SUNDAYS WERE THE DAY FOR US TO CUT UP A LITTLE AND PASS THE TIME WITH OUR SORDID STORIES OF THE PAST.  SYLVIA HAD MORE THAN A FEW! WHEN I FOUND MYSELF WITH YOUNG CHILDREN AGAIN, SYLVIA WAS SUCH A GREAT SUPPORT, AND SHE SOON BECAME KNOWN AS AUNTIE SYLVIA! SHE WAS ALWAYS BRINGING LITTLE GIFTS AND TRINKETS FOR THE "CHILLINS" , AS SHE LIKED TO CALL THEM, AND EVEN BABYSAT ON A FEW OCCASIONS.  WE WOULD NORMALLY ATTEND OUR WORK PARTIES TOGETHER,  AND RIDING SHOTGUN  WITH SYLVIA BEHIND THE WHEEL WAS AN ADVENTURE, TO PUT IT MILDLY! WHILE LIVING IN ALBUQUERQUE, SYLVIA WOULD SPEAK OFTEN OF GOING HOME TO EL PASO.  I'M GLAD SHE MADE IT. I MISS YOU ALREADY, SYL!! 

I knew Sylvia for over 10 years. For someone as tough as Sylvia, she had a big heart, especially with animals. She was someone who loved basset hounds just as much as me! There is one memory that will always be cemented in my memory: 

When my basset hound, Dixie, passed away, I was a mess for weeks! She was one of the people who helped me cope with the loss. It was easy for her to sympathize with me because she was definitely someone who understood basset hound culture.  

I will miss Sylvia. She had a special place not only my life, but to the Advanced Teleservices family. Like everyone, it is hard to see people go in our lives that we've known for a good minute.  She is free of her pain and I am so happy for that. 

Sylvia, or as I called her, "the Sylvinator," was always someone I always had the enjoyment of talking to.  No matter what was going on at work or in life we were friends who were able to vent things out to each other.  Right or wrong, we ended up being more calm or in a better mood. But, let me tell you, for as small as she was, that woman could eat almost as much as me! Very impressive.  I will miss many things about Sylv.  Although she did come off a bit strong a lot of the time, she had a very big heart and I'm very happy to have been a part of her happy times; whether it was our Christmas breakfasts, her winning at Bingo literally every year, seeing pictures of Bubba or Dale, or her jamming out to 70s and 80s music with her imaginary lighter.  Miss you Sylv! Look over us all! I know you will go to bat for all of us. <3

I only knew Sylvia for 4 years and we had many laughs. She was the type of person that never let anything or anyone stand in her way. She had this force about her. One of the things we had in common was our love for our fur babies. When she cooked something and used to bring me some for me to try and the first food she ever shared with me was briskets from Rudy's. I will always cherish all our talks and laughs. We will miss you a lot Syl. 

Sylvia was a wonderful co- worker and friend. She and I shared the love of our dogs and would talk and share photos of them all the time. She will be missed greatly and none more then me. Rest in peace my friend. I will miss you everyday. ❤️🙂

Miss you Sylvia!  We enjoyed many conversations about both being 1956 babies, born in Hawaii at Tripler Hospital; somehow ending up in Albuquerque and working together.  Truly a small world.  Sylvia took tremendous pride in her work and doing the job well.  She was always 15 minutes early to work and never missed a day, a rarity these days.   

She would often comment on how younger folks needed to get the "big girl (or boy) pants on", and just deal with the situation. This became an inside joke between Sylvia, Maria, and I.  She definitely had her opinions.

We will miss your spitfire attitude, boisterous laugh, and friendship.

I can hear Sylvia laugh hysterically remembering “The Nutty Professor” with Jerry Lewis. Sylvia laughed at funny situations on the phone & would have to breathe so she could grasp her composure. She enjoyed good food and treats. She would say, “YUMMY!” She often shared what she was going to cook with enthusiasm & would sometimes bring a portion in for us to taste. One of her favorite pass times was to go a flea market & she would love finding memorabilia on Dale Earnhardt Sr., her favorite NASCAR driver most notably driving the #3. Number 3 was Sylvia’s lucky number. She related everything to number 3. When our friend, Anna, passed away on 3/3, she said Dale was watching over her because she passed on 3/3. She loved her dog, Bubba. She would talk to Bubba continuously and would air out all her thoughts almost therapeutically. One of her favorite sayings, was to say, “You need to put on your BIG GIRL pants” and deal with things. She was tough & strong and never let obstacles get in the way of what she felt she had to do. She never missed a day of work & always received a “perfect attendance” bonus.  Sylvia loved her deceased parents and wanted to return to El Paso to visit their gravesite. She shared that her father always admired her common sense. Sylvia wanted to visit Hawaii, where she was born at Tripler Hospital in Honolulu.  When our family took visited Hawaii , we took a picture of Tripler Hospital & framed it for Sylvia.  She kept the picture by her desk & dreamed of Hawaii. She loved Josh and wished he lived closer.  It had been the two of them for many years and she missed family. She was happy that Josh found Stacy. Sylvia was beaming when she found out she was going to be a grandmother. Sylvia was so helpful and caring. She had a big heart and meant well. We would laugh when she would dance if she heard a song from the 70’s – she would shake her head like she was fully rocking to the music and pretend to hold a lighter.  Too funny! We love you.

OBITUARY

Sylvia Ann Roach Smith

6 December, 1956 – 21 May, 2023

Funeraria del Angel Restlawn

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services