Sylvia Orquiz

It is with a heavy heart that the Orquiz family of Deming, New Mexico announces the passing of its matriarch, Sylvia Avalos Orquiz, on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at the age of 67. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family. There are no words to describe the loss felt by those of us who knew and loved her. Sylvia was a dutiful wife, a beloved mother of five, a cherished “Nana” to eight grandchildren, a loyal friend, and a devout daughter of God. Her influence stretches far beyond the small community in which she was a lifelong resident. She lived a life of grace, dignity, and purpose. Above all, she was a principled woman of strong morals who always put others first.

Sylvia was born in Deming, New Mexico, on October 26, 1955, to Maria and Joe Avalos. She grew up in this small community along with her siblings Johnny, Gloria, Mary Lou, Cynthia, Joe, Annie, and Michael. In 1972, she married Manuel Orquiz Jr., and the two began to build their family with the birth of their first two children, Joanna, and Manuel III “Peeper” while living in the “casita” across the tracks. In the following years, the family would grow with the addition of Laura, Sarah, and Phillip as they settled in their home on Santa Clara Street. Sylvia was the consummate mother and grandmother who nurtured her family just as she did the many plants that surrounded her home (they were her children too).

In the latter half of raising her family, Sylvia ventured into the collegiate world at Western New Mexico University and attained her Bachelor of Arts in Education in 2002, and later her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership in 2013. She graduated with honors each time and served as the Master Speaker during the commencement convocation of her graduate degree. Teaching was her passion. She loved her students. She loved her peers. She loved the schools. She never stopped teaching, even after her retirement in 2018. She would teach her grandchildren a new poem or song, something unique they would often recite together in their own intimate way.

Sylvia was a member of the Apostolic Church since the age of 19. It was her faith in God that served as the foundation in all aspects of her life. It is from where she drew inspiration and wisdom as she taught her children and grandchildren the virtues of love, responsibility, honesty, and commitment. And although we often fell short, as children tend to do, her lessons did take. We are forever grateful for her example. It was her faith she rejoiced in during moments of celebration. It was her faith that provided the strength and comfort during the hardships. It was her faith she relied on until the end.

Being special is rare and not something that can be self-appointed. Fair or not, to be true, it requires others’ perceptions over a lifetime to qualify you of such a description. The lucky few who knew our mother can attest to her character and legacy – the testimony she has left upon us to live up to. Sylvia was special. There is no replacing her. They don’t make them like this anymore.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Manny, children, Joanna and Jeff; Manny and Kathryn; Laura and Wesley; Sarah and Matt; and Phillip and Esmeralda, grandchildren, Elijah, Emily, Micah and Abi, Maddison, Leah, Lailah, Imrie, and great-granddaughter, Camila.

The service will be presided over by her pastor, Bishop Jimmy Arellano of Las Cruces.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sylvia Orquiz, please visit our floral store.