Sylvia Ann Casillas

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our lovely mother, Sylvia Ann Ledesma Casillas. Sylvia made her way to heaven on January 3, 2026 after bravely battling Dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Her entire family was involved in her care until the very end.

Sylvia was born in San Antonio, Texas on February 25, 1938 to Carlos and Adelle Ledesma. They both worked hard to give her and her brother Carlos Jr. the best life possible. Our mom was very active in her neighborhood, playing sports with friends, and going dancing when she was older. Dancing at Ft. Sam Houston military base was where she met the love of her life and future destiny, Pvt 1st Class Louis Casillas. They married on February 10, 1961 and moved to Chicago, Illinois to start their new lives together. They stayed in and around the Chicagoland area until 2013 when they decided to relocate back to San Antonio to this day.

Sylvia was the mother of five daughters and one special son. Richard, Cecelia, Valencia, Lisa, Theresa, and Yvonne all considered her the best and most loving, selfless mother and friend.

Sylvia was a very hard worker, be it at home or the many jobs she held outside the home. Her cooking was legendary, especially at the many family parties and picnics. She loved to play bingo, and was very lucky at winning jackpots. The best thing about Mom was that she was always there for her family, whether we needed advice, a great conversation, or to help with the grandchildren.

Sylvia had many close friends, especially her bestie, Alice. We can only imagine she’s finally reunited with her, laughing up a storm!

Reunited with Mom in heaven are her parents, Carlos and Adelle Ledesma, her brother Carlos Ledesma Jr., and her loving son, Richard Guedea.

Sylvia was also the loving aunt of many nieces and nephews who adored her.

Sylvia is survived by her husband of 64 years, Louis Casillas, her daughters Cecelia (husband Marc) Hoffman of Willis Texas, Valencia (husband Jesse) Alonzo of Chicago, Illinois, Lisa (husband Kenneth) of Goodyear, Arizona, Theresa Casillas (partner Michael Gottfried) of Franklin Park, Illinois, and Yvonne Casillas of Portland, Oregon.

She was the adored grandmother of Eduardo Zepeda (fiancée Anastasia Papineau) of Chicago, Illinois, Jesse (wife Katie) Alonzo Jr. of Clayton, North Carolina, Dakota and Ricardo Alonzo of Chicago, Illinois, and Elena Hoffman (fiancé Dinoth) of Des Moines, Iowa. They will miss grandma with all their hearts.

Cremation was Jan.12, 2026. There will be a private memorial service for family only at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a donation of your choice can be made to the following organizations: The American Diabetes Organization, The Parkinson’s Association, and Eva’s Heroes.

The Casillas family wants to thank the entire staff at Legend Oaks South San Antonio, Texas for their excellent care of Mom. Also, the staff at Altus Hospice, especially Valerie Long RN for her selfless and loving care of our mom. Words cannot express our gratitude.

Sylvia was one of a kind and she will be deeply missed. Vaya con Dios and sleep tight beautiful Mom.