Sylvia Garcia

Zulema Sylvia Garcia, 91, was born in Laredo, Texas to Rufino and María de Jesús Treviño on August 26, 1931. She attended schools in Laredo and received her diploma from St. Augustine High School in 1948 after only three years. Following graduation, she enrolled in Laredo Junior College until transferring to Texas College of Arts and Industries (A&I) in Kingsville, Texas where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Education in three years at the age of 19.

While teaching at Buenos Aires Elementary in Laredo, Sylvia earned a master’s degree from A&I attending college on the weekends. She was commended by her supervisors for her ability to engage students in classroom activities. She never forgot the bond she formed with her students or how she cried when summer arrived. After a brief career in Elementary School, she moved to Laredo Martin High School where she taught Health and Physical Education.

She married Joseph J. Cucino in 1954 and had two children, Joseph Jr. and Elsa Lorraine. In 1962, the family moved to San Antonio where she filled various positions in Edgewood School District and San Antonio School District. During that time, she received her second master’s degree at Our Lady of the Lake College and earned state certification for school administration. After divorcing, Sylvia focused on her career, eventually retiring as Vice Principal at Connell Middle School in 1990.

Sylvia was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a teaching sorority, San Antonio Conservation Society, and the Order of the Eastern Star. In Eastern Star, she served as Worthy Matron numerous times in both Harlandale and Amistad Chapters, and she assisted many other Chapters in the area. She served on several committees and was appointed Deputy Grand Matron in the San Antonio area. For almost twenty years, she held the position of Deputy in Mexico for the General Grand Chapter.

Eastern Star is where she met Raul Garcia, and they were married in 1996. Sylvia and Raul were inseparable throughout their marriage. They shared a love for service, fraternity, family, and travel - particularly cruises. They sailed all over the world.

Toward the end of her life, Sylvia found joy at the Southside Lions Senior Center. She formed close friendships with fellow seniors and staff, and was even interviewed by KENS5 TV where she sung its praises. She was looking forward to her 92nd birthday when she was taken by a severe stroke exactly one month prior.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband Raul Garcia, her parents Rufino and María de Jesús Treviño, and her brothers Vidal (Lucila) and Homero Treviño, and her son-in-law Dr. Edwin Knipstein.

She is survived by her children, Joe (Joni) Cucino and Lorraine Cucino Knipstein, stepchildren Bob (Pam) Garcia and Laura (Gabe) Ruiz, grandchildren Jennifer Lord, William Lord and Kyle Rohlfs, four great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and other members of her extended family.

Although her life on earth has ended, her presence still remains. We will forever hear in our hearts, “I love you more.”

Funeral arrangements will be held at Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 9th at the funeral home from 5:30 to 6:30. The Rosary will be recited at 6:30 and Remembrances will immediately follow. Anyone who wishes to share memories of Sylvia is invited to do so at that time. A mass will be held at

10:00am the following morning, Thursday, August 10th, at Holy Name Catholic Church, 3814 Nash Avenue. Interment will follow the mass at Sunset Memorial Park.

Pallbearers:

Raul Roberto “Bob” Garcia

William “Billy” Lord

Mateo Treviño

David Treviño

Ricardo “Richie” Treviño

Michael Thompson