Obituary

Sylvia Michel Cruz of Avondale peacefully passed away on March 22, 2024 at the age of 85. She was born February 17, 1939 in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico to Casimiro and Maximina Michel. She attended school in Mexico, but began working at a young age as a nanny in Brownsville, Texas. It was there where she met the love of her life, Lorenzo. They married in July of 1956. They moved their family to Arizona in 1968. She was a homemaker until she began working as an instructional aide with the Avondale Elementary School. She worked there for 20 years. She was beloved by her students and the faculty there whom she considered family. She also was a lifelong and active parishioner of St. John Vianney Catholic Church.

Sylvia is survived by her children: Juan (Gloria), Lorenzo Jr. (Belia), Carmen (Jose) Nunez, Abel (Mary), Luis (Lucy), Peter (Celia), Isabel (Chris), Elva (Jeff) Lauer, Danny (Diana), Sal (Kathy), 30 grandchildren, and 44 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Amada Ruiz and Guadalupe (Luis) Garcia and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years.

After her retirement, she enjoyed helping care for her grandchildren, cheering on the Diamondbacks, and playing bingo at the casino. She also enjoyed visits from old friends and family. She was our fierce prayer warrior and a bright light in the room with her infectious smile.

She will be deeply missed.  Her family and community will never be the same, but her legacy and her spirit will live on in each of us.  Rest in Paradise, our Matriarch and our Queen.

A Visitation, Celebration of Life will be held from 5 to 9pm, Wednesday, April 10 at Avondale Baptist Church, 1001 N Central Ave Avondale, AZ 85323, along with a Rosary taking place at 6:30 pm. A funeral Mass will begin at 10AM, Thursday, April 11th at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 539 E La Pasada Blvd Goodyear, AZ 85338. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.