Sylvia V Chavez

At the age of 85, Sylvia V. Chavez (Pompa), loving wife and mother of five children passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 13, 2024. Sylvia was born in Clarkdale, Arizona on August 31, 1938, to Joseph and Eva Pompa. Sylvia grew up in Glendale and attended Glendale High School before attending Arizona State College- now known as Northern Arizona University. It was here that Sylvia met her husband,Tom. They were married on December 29, 1957 and share five children: Denice, Lorraine, Carolyn, Valery and Michael.

Sylvia was a jack-of-all-trades. Throughout her life, she was a professional softball player, teacher, tax accountant and ran the family restaurant, La Perla, with her three siblings. Through her many hobbies and accomplishments, her passion stemmed from caring for those she loved. She raised five children and continued to be an active nurturer for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sylvia enjoyed being around people and found some of her most cherished moments surrounded by her family and friends.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Tom C. Chavez, her parents Joseph and Eva Pompa, her sisters Gloria “Gogi” Pompa Overton, Joanne “Joni” Pompa Sandhagen, her brother Joseph “Butch” Prompa, and other extended family members.

She is survived by her five children: Denice (Bartt), Lorraine (Jerry), Carolyn (Tim), Valery, and Michael (Dara), 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, her aunt Amelia Andersen (“Auntie Mellie”), and her sisters-in-law Nancy Chavez and Bernice Chavez.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 25th from 4-7 pm at Menke Funeral Home. Rosary to immediately follow beginning at 7:00 pm.

Services will be held on Friday, July 26th at 10:00 am at St. Helen’s Catholic Church followed by a burial at Rest Haven Cemetery. Reception to immediately follow at VFW (7618 N. 63rd Avenue Glendale, AZ 85301).