Sylvia Calzada

Sylvia Rodriguez Calzada was unexpectedly called home to our Lord and Savior on March 14, 2024, at the age of 69. Born to Jim and Pilar Rodriguez at St. Mary’s Hospital in Roswell, NM on October 30, 1954, Sylvia grew up in Dexter, NM with four siblings (3 sisters and a brother). As the daughter of a Deacon much of her childhood was spent in her church, where for many years she sang with her sisters and church choir. Sylvia graduated from Dexter High School in 1973. She married her first husband in 1978, and although this relationship was not permanent, it brought her two boys. Her sons, Ricardo and Anthony, were the greatest joys in her life and she loved them so very deeply. After the two separated, Sylvia later met Jessie who was the love of her life. Sylvia and Jessie were married on June 29, 1996. The two blended their families as Jessie had 3 children, two sons and a daughter. Together Sylvia and Jessie shared an adventurous life … they enjoyed traveling to beautiful places like Hawaii, Corpus Christi, and parts of Colorado, fishing, boating, and shopping. They were also dedicated members of the church. Sylvia was a devoted member of the church she grew up in, where for many years she planned and organized events like Vacation Bible School, as well as crafts and studies for the children’s classes. Sylvia enjoyed being a member of the choir and would often attend the Associasion Berea Music Festival and was a part of the (BCNM) Baptist Convention of New Mexico. Sylvia cherished her time as a member of the church and the relationship she built with God is without question, everlasting. In her professional life, she worked as a paralegal with Atwood and Malone, before going to work for Judge Baldock and the Court of Appeals for several years. She went on to work for the New Mexico State Police for many years and retired in 2017. After a short break, Sylvia returned to work at the Roswell Refuge and retired from there in December 2023. Sylvia is survived by her children Ricardo Jimenez, wife Andrea, Anthony Jimenez, wife Erica, John Calzada, wife Michelle, Israel Calzada, wife Elsa, and Corina Calzada-Hopkins, husband Nate; she was a proud grandmother to Reagan, Grayson and Payton Jimenez, Gabriel Jimenez, Gabriella, Roman and Cristian Calzada, Catherine and Elizabeth Calzada, Abigail Dominguez, husband Adrian, Joseph Contreras, wife Hailey, Danielle and Jayden Contreras; and great-grandchildren Rosalie Dominguez, Jonah and Abraham Contreras. Other survivors include her sisters Carolyn Silva, husband Frank and Susie Earnest; and her brother Orlando Rodriguez, wife Sonya. Sylvia also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. Sylvia is preceded in death by her beloved husband Jessie Calzada, her parents Jim and Pilar Rodriguez, her sister Sara Boling, nephew Damyn Rodriguez. Those who knew and loved Sylvia will miss her dearly. A funeral service will be held at her family church Primera Iglesia Bautista in Dexter, NM on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with Michael Silva and Sammy Chaves officiating. Interment to follow at South Park Memorial Cemetery.

Sylvia Calzada

October 30, 1954 - March 14, 2024