SYLVIA L. APODACA, age 77, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at UNM

Hospital on February 15, 2026. She was born on July 20, 1948, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to

Bennie and Vivian Malone. Over the course of her life, she lived in Las Cruces, later relocated to

Los Angeles, and ultimately settled in Albuquerque, where she made her home for many years.

Sylvia’s life was shaped by both hardship and love. Though her life’s path was not without

challenges, Sylvia later devoted herself fully to raising three of her grandchildren – Ian, Destiny,

and Arsenio Apodaca – as her own. She would later legally adopt them, a testament to the deep

bond and lifelong commitment she made to their care. From their earliest days, Sylvia was their

constant, providing stability, guidance, and unconditional love. Her strength, resilience, and

willingness to step forward when she was needed most define her legacy.

Sylvia found joy in creating and caring for others. She loved crocheting and sewing, lovingly

making dresses for family and friends to celebrate life’s milestones like quinceañeras, weddings,

and other special occasions. She enjoyed cooking and took great pride in caring for her plants,

patiently nurturing and finding peace in watching them bloom. But more than anything, she

treasured time spent with family.  A faithful servant of God, Sylvia lived her faith through action. 

She and her husband, Tony “Porky” Apodaca, ministered in prisons throughout New Mexico and California, offering hope,

compassion, and spiritual guidance. Connecting people to Christ was a passionate commitment

that Sylvia carried in her heart and lived out through her service to others.

She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Antonio Apodaca; children: Tina (Gary) Hall,

Desiree Gonzales, Antonio “Tony” (Jerri), Ian, Destiny, and Arsenio (Kimberly) Apodaca. Other

survivors include 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, as well as brothers: LeRoy and

Roy Malone; and her one and only sister: Diane (Hugo) Gonzalez, with whom she shared a

special bond. She will be missed by other family members and many friends.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Ronnie Lancaster, Bennie, Steve, Marvin,

Arnold, Michael, Johnny, Randy, and Kenny Malone; her children: Richard and Dana Malone,

and Paul Dominguez; one great-granddaughter: Amariah Moya; and her cherished canine: Bootsy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM at New Beginnings

Church on 4770 Montgomery Blvd NW, Albuquerque. Cremation has taken place, and her

cremains will be inurned at Sunset Memorial Park on 924 Menaul Blvd NE, following her service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the caring and compassionate professionals at

Trujillo Family Funeral Home

"Our Family Serving Yours"