Sylvia Marie Cruz's Obituary
Sylvia Marie Cruz, a formidable matriarch with a fierce wit and an unshakable moral compass, departed this world on May 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unflinching honesty. Born on October 7, 1950, Sylvia was a woman whose presence was as vibrant as her favorite color—purple—a hue that mirrored her regal spirit and quiet power.
Raised by her beloved parents, the late Thomas and Sylvia Chapman, she learned early on the importance of resilience, compassion, and speaking the truth, even when it was uncomfortable. She carried these values throughout her life, pouring them generously into the lives of all who knew her.
Sylvia dedicated decades of service to her community through her work with the United States Postal Service in Charleston and as a paralegal in the bustling cities of Chicago and Logan. Her professional journey reflected not just a tireless work ethic but a deep-seated commitment to justice, order, and helping others navigate complex systems.
She was a devoted mother to Adam Cruz, who, alongside his wife Michelle, carries forward her legacy of wisdom and fortitude. As a sister, Sylvia stood as a pillar of strength among a wide and colorful tapestry of siblings—survived by Terry (Tammy) Chapman, Timothy (Ava) Chapman, Lynn (Curtis) Blankenship, Tometta (Thomas) Serfass, Bruce (Tammy) Chapman, and preceded in death by Thomas Chapman Jr. David Chapman, Patricia Anderson, Raymond Brown, Virgil Ball
A true matriarch in every sense, Sylvia extended her nurturing heart far beyond her immediate family. She took under her wing many nieces and nephews, shaping them with tough love and gentle wisdom into better versions of themselves, never sugar-coating the truth and always telling it exactly like it was—a trait both feared and cherished in equal measure.
Her hobbies—reading, gardening, watching movies, and enjoying music—offered her moments of quiet joy and reflection. Fittingly, the last film she watched was The Lord of the Rings, a story about courage, endurance, and the triumph of the human (or hobbit) spirit—an echo of her own epic tale.
Sylvia’s voice, her presence, and her unwavering honesty will be sorely missed but forever remembered by all whose lives she touched. In her honor, may we continue to speak the truth, take care of each other fiercely, and perhaps, wear a little more purple.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, 17 May in Huntington, WV beginning at 1 PM. For details, call (937)-754-5140.
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