Sylvia N Cortez

Please note, the funeral mass for Sylvia, will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 29th, 10:30 am at 

Our Lady of Mercy Church

4432 N Troy Ave

All friends and family attending are asked to gather at the church for the Mariachi Band, starting at 9:45 am, and the funeral mass to start at 10:30 am.

Sylvia Nuño Cortez, beloved wife, mother, daughter, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 70. Born in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, on May 12, 1954, Sylvia’s life was a testament to kindness, selflessness, and love.

Sylvia devoted many years to her career as a dental assistant, where she brought comfort and compassion to her patients. Following her retirement, Sylvia’s loyalty to her family led her to assume the role of full-time caregiver to her beloved mother, Teresa Nuño Alvarado. Her spirit of selflessness extended to all she met, offering a listening ear, a warm heart, and a steady presence for family, friends, and those she held dear.

Sylvia was deeply spiritual and active in her faith, finding joy and solace in her beliefs. Her dedication to her family and friends knew no bounds, and she was always willing to offer support, comfort, and guidance to those in need. Sylvia embodied kindness, empathy, and resilience, serving as the rock of the family and source of strength and inspiration to her family and all who knew her. Family gatherings at Sylvia's home were legendary, with Sylvia's cooking at the heart of every event. From comforting bowls of fideo and pozole to hearty arroz y frijoles, she poured love into every meal, feeding both body and soul.

Sylvia is survived by her devoted husband, Herman Cortez Jr.; her daughters, Adriana Cortez and Elizabeth Cortez; her cherished mother, Teresa Nuno Alvarado; and her twelve siblings. She is preceded in death by her father, Ramon Nuño Alvarez. Sylvia’s legacy of love, generosity, and kindness will continue to live on through her family and all whose lives she touched.

A visitation and wake will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Benson Funeral Home, 3224 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618. A funeral service will begin with a mariachi performance at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 4432 N Troy St, Chicago, IL 60625 on Tuesday, October 29 at 9:45 am, followed by a mass at 10:30 a.m.. Her burial will follow at Maryhill Cemetery, 8600 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family’s GoFundMe page, which will support funeral, burial, and medical expenses. Sylvia’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Rainbow Hospice Palliative Care, especially her hospice nurse, Sheila, who provided Sylvia with compassionate care and continues to support her mother, Teresa, during this difficult time.

As one of Sylvia’s favorite quotes from The Wizard of Oz reminds us: “A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.” Sylvia will be forever loved and deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sylvia N Cortez, please visit our floral store.