Sylvia Rosita Manzanares

Love you mucho, mucho!

Sylvia Rosita Manzanares passed away on December 12, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

Born November 21, 1934, to Henry and Laura Manzanares, Sylvia cherished her family and adored spending time with them. An avid gardener, she relished her time outside—especially if it involved watching her grandbabies play.

Sylvia retired from the State of Utah after 25 years and spent much of her retirement traveling and nurturing her family. She adored KFC and turkey necks, occasionally with a drink in hand and Rod Stewart or Alan Jackson blasting on the radio. An incredible mother, Sylvia was also a second mother to her grandchildren, shaping them with hard-earned wisdom and unconditional love. One of her richest gifts, she lovingly passed down family recipes to her children and grandchildren—to this day, each one can undoubtedly close their eyes and hear, “Flatter, flatter! Make them flatter.”

Ever-quick-witted, Sylvia kept her entire family on their toes, making every gathering an event. It simply wouldn't have been a party if Sylvia wasn't there. Thankfully, her sense of humor and adoring nature live on in every single one of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Christmas was Sylvia’s favorite holiday because of her family’s long-held traditions—we will all miss her biscochitos and her ever-famous “blue and yellows” (buñuelos). 

Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents and brother Andrew (Andy) Manzanares.

Sylvia is survived by siblings Paul Manzanares (Joann), George Manzanares (Bea), Willie Manzanares, Henrietta Swift (Danny);  six children Leo M. Garcia (Debbie), Mariella Gallegos (Joe), Suzanne Knox (Steve), Judeann Breidenbach (Doug), Matt Garcia, Stephenie Johnson (Brian); six grandbabies Paul Garcia, Justin Gallegos (Liz), Niccole Johnson (Alfonso), Jessica Young (Jason), Yellie Johnson (Nova), Kymee Johnson (Diana) and six great-grandchildren Mila and Jed Gallegos, Alexis and Marquis Johnson, Brian and Maddy Mayo.

On behalf of Sylvia’s family, we would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph Villa for the kindness, love, and support that everyone gave to our mom and grandmother.

In lieu of services, Sylvia's wish was for her family to reunite, listen to her favorite songs, and share their favorite memories while enjoying a hot toddy or tequila.

“I’ve come to seek you out today, I feel your pain, you’ve lost your way. I’ve never left, I live through you. Our hearts entwined, our bond is true. No time nor space can take away, the love we share will always stay. Thank you for still loving me, I am everywhere and finally free. It’s still your turn so take every chance, to live with wonder, to sing and dance. I won’t be far my soul lives on, with every sunset and every dawn. I’ll be your sign, just look for me. I am still with you eternally.”

  -Lola Bella

Care entrusted to Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary.