Sylvia Tortez Arzate

Sylvia was born November 17, 1939 at the Soboba Indian Hospital, to her father Juan Castro Tortez and mother Genevieve Juarez Tortez. She entered eternal rest on February 15, 2023. She was of the Sauishpakiktem clan and lived on the Santa Rosa Indian Reservation. Sylvia is survived by her 10 children Felipe Arzate Jr, Richard Arzate, Manuel Arzate, Christina Arzate, Yolanda Bowers, Gloria Hernandez, Olivia Arzate, Margarita Salgado, Maria Stevens, Julie Arzate as well as 37 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren. She is preceded by her husband Felipe Arzate Sr., her brothers and sisters Kenneth Tortez, Thomas Tortez, Mariano Tortez, John Tortez, Anthony Tortez, Lorraine Tortez and Sandra Tortez. She lived her life working and serving her native people with many organizations such as TANF and CIMC, she was also a member of the Johnson O’Malley Program. Sylvia was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. She was always busy doing crafts such as beading and sewing. She enjoyed most being with her family and traveling.

Her viewing and rosary will be held Friday, March 10, 2023 from 1:00 pm –4:30 pm with the rosary at 3:00 pm at McWane Family Funeral Home 350 N. San Jacinto Street, Hemet, CA 92543. Traditional Wake will follow at the Santa Rosa Tribal Hall on the Santa Rosa Indian Reservation 65199 State Highway 74, Mountain Center, CA 92561. Mass and Burial will be March 11, 2023 at 10:00am at the Santa Rosa De Lima Church.