Sylvia Medina

Sylvia O. Medina born into this world on March 30, 1935; departed into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ December 22, 2022. 

Sylvia was predeceased by her son Joseph "Nini” Paul Medina, parents Samuel and Guadalupe Ortiz, grandmother Reycita Ortiz, brother Dr. Alfonso Ortiz.

She is survived by her children Jeffry Medina, Faye Medina, (Stephanie & Daniel Medina); Noel Sanchez, (Lesley Billy); Allen Medina wife Bertha, (Melissa Medina Torres & Joseph Samuel Medina); Christy Medina, (Kelsey Medina); Joseph Paul Medina (deceased) wife Joyce, (Miranda & Samantha Medina) and (Leticia & Michael Medina).  She was the proud great grandmother to 13 children.  Sylvia is also survived by her sister Louisa Montoya of California and many nieces and nephews.

Sylvia was an active member of the San Juan Baustista Catholic Church in Ohkay Owingeh by teaching catechism, proud member of the Tewa Choir, the Tekawitha Circle and praying the rosary with her prayer group.  She was one of the original members of the Tewa Women United.  An active member with the Senior Citizens Center in Ohkay Owingeh.  She enjoyed baking, cooking and fund raising with her choir group to raise money for the church during the annual church bazaar.

Sylvia loved gardening as a young girl, she talked about how they worked in the garden producing their crops alongside her father and siblings.  She loved planting flowers in her yard and was so proud of her roses that grew so tall that they blocked her view.  In her life she was the care provider to her grandmother Reycita and her father Sam; eventually she was the babysitter to her grandchildren and at times they kept her on her toes, a few being close in age. She also loved animals and cherished her beloved dogs to the end. One of her last requests was to “take care of her animals”.

Services were held on December 23, with the following serving as pallbearers Clifford Cruz/Marcus Lopez, Steven Lockwood, Mathew Montoya, Jason Abeyta, Chris Gabaldon, Raul Noches, Samuel Medina, Daniel Medina and Jeffrey Medina.

Our heartfelt thank you to Ohkay Owingeh Governor Joseph P. Aguino, Council Member Joe Garcia, the Fiscales, Chris Gabaldon for all his help and Ethel Morel for leading us in the rosary and anyone we may have left out - who helped to send our mother on her journey home. Thank you to Rivera Funeral Home for the quick and professional service you provided for our mother.