The Most Gentle and Kind, Beloved Sylvia
January 5, 1952 - May 2, 2025
Sylvia Poblete Bugarin lived her life spreading kindness to the world. She was selfless and silly, creative and compassionate.
Sylvia was born in the Philippines on January 5, 1952, to Lourdes Catig Poblete and Augusto Alemani Poblete. She was the fourth of eight siblings—Myrna, Byron, Tony, Cyril, Lydia, Lyle, and Tyrone. She immigrated to the United States in 1970 and settled in San Francisco. She soon befriended Alice, Myrna, and Susan, and shared adventures exploring the city. They remained friends throughout her life.
She married Tony Bugarin in 1973 and cultivated a rich home life for her daughters Precious, Desiree, Melissa, and Elizabeth. She was the family manager, a dedicated mother and spouse. In 1986, she received her Associate of Arts degree and taught preschool in addition to caring for her family. In 1991, she became a U.S. citizen.
Sylvia’s dream of having a family of her own was realized with Tony. Her home came alive with art, love, security, and song. The family grew with the addition of Ricky, Adam, Iris, and Elizabeth. In 2010, grandchildren Nico and Emi arrived, and soon after, Christian was born. With the youngest additions, love surged through the family—Sylvia was now Lola, Loli, or Mugga, depending on which grandchild was calling.
Sylvia was an expert seamstress, making custom costumes for special occasions and quilts gifted when babies were born. Creating came easily to her, and her artistry lived in watercolor paintings, crocheted garments, and carefully designed dresses. She often learned new techniques and loved video tutorials—she mastered skills with ease.
Sylvia was the ultimate mom. She charmed everyone she met and connected with people through a love for humanity and a natural curiosity about life. A born nurturer, Sylvia tried to understand everyone's needs and did her best to meet them, even in her last days.
On May 2, 2025, Sylvia passed peacefully at home with family at her side. She is survived by her husband, Tony; her children, Precious, Desiree, Melissa, and Elizabeth; their partners, Adam, Elizabeth, Ricky, and Iris; and her grandchildren, Nico, Emi, and Christian. She is also survived by her siblings Myrna, Tony, Lydia, Lyle, and Tyrone. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lourdes and Augusto, and her brothers, Byron and Cyril.
She will be deeply missed, and all those whose lives she touched are fortunate to have been a part of hers.
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 3:00-7:30 PM with an evening service starting at 5:00 for those who would like to share memories on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, May 15th, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Bugarin family.
