Sylvia Hinojosa Flores, age 71, passed away on June 3, 2023, surrounded by her loving daughters and husband at Swedish Health Services in Seattle, WA. Born on April 9, 1952, in Edinburg, Texas to Oscar and Alicia Hinojosa, Sylvia led a remarkable life filled with love, resilience, and devotion to her family and community.
Sylvia spent her early years in the Rio Grande Valley, until Hurricane Beulah forced her family to relocate near extended family in Grandview, Washington in 1967. She graduated from Grandview High School in 1971 and pursued her higher education at the University of Washington. Sylvia took great pride in her heritage and became a member of the Bailadores de Bronce, a Mexican folkloric dance group at UW. It was during her time at the university that she formed lifelong friendships. Sylvia graduated with a BA in Communications and returned to the Yakima Valley, where she embarked on a career at the local KNDO television station as a programmer before transitioning to a rewarding career with the State of Washington.
In 1984, Sylvia announced her engagement to her husband, Ismael Flores, and within weeks, they exchanged vows in West Valley. Soon after, they relocated to Frankfurt, Germany, where Sylvia, Ismael, and her brother-in-law John planned to open a Mexican restaurant. While waiting for the restaurant space to become available, they started a taco truck at Rhein-Main Air Base, where they sold out the truck daily. They soon opened Santiago's Mexican Restaurant, named after Sylvia's father-in-law. In 1986, Sylvia and Ismael welcomed their first daughter, Alexandria, in Hanau, prompting their return to Union Gap in 1987.
Back in Yakima, Sylvia resumed her career with the State of Washington, serving as a Support Enforcement Officer in the Division of Child Support within the Washington Department of Social and Health Services. After many years she worked up to the role of District Manager for the Yakima Office and, later, the King County Office, where she devoted the final years of her working career. Sylvia retired in 2017, leaving a legacy of professionalism and dedication.
A woman of immense love and generosity, Sylvia cherished her family above all else. She was an integral part of her community, actively involved with St. Joseph's Catholic Church and the local Deaf community. In her retirement, she found solace in tending her garden, spending quality time with loved ones, and immersing herself in history, museums, and cultural events. Sylvia was a lifelong learner and was always engaged with current events. For 38 years, she shared a home and a beautiful life with her loving husband, Ismael, in West Valley.
Sylvia possessed a contagious smile and a heart overflowing with kindness. She touched the lives of many, leaving an irreplaceable void in her absence. The memories shared and the lessons learned from Sylvia will forever be cherished.
Sylvia is survived by her devoted husband, Ismael, her daughters, Alexandria (both of Yakima), and Leandra (of Washington D.C.); her caring siblings, Noel Hinojosa (Jane), J.J. Hinojosa (Teresa) and Celine Castillo (Armando), all of Grandview; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Alicia Hinojosa; her sister and brother-in-law, Lillian and Carlos Trevino; her parents-in-law, Santiago and Eufrasia Flores and brother and sister-in-laws, John Florez, Carmen Flores, and Jim Flores.
Visitation will held from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 15, 2023 with a Vigil service beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Keith & Keith Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 16, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with interment following at West Hills Memorial Park. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com.
