RIP Sylvia Collins

Sylvia Collins : Photo Credit Marina Ecolatino

Sylvia Collins was the fabric that communities and neighborhoods are made of. Although I didn’t know her as long or as well as others, Sylvia possessed a gift, among many, that made me feel comfortable knowing her as simply Sylvia.

At age seventy-five Sylvia was a relentless warrior, volunteer, precinct chair, LULAC member and activist for human dignity. No one could remember Sylvia not being involved with a voter drive or election to help have the “peoples” voices heard.

On Thursday May 28,2026, after weeks of canvassing and volunteering for yet another critical election, Sylvia was finally home resting. Resting in the comfort of her own space, her home. Resting from hours of walking in the heat and cold, door knocking, and maybe, just maybe for those of us who truly knew her, Sylvia may have been sipping on a well-earned cold one.

 Then the unimaginable and preventable happened. A horrific gas pipeline explosion in Sylvia’s small apartment complex. The smoke and flames could be seen from miles throughout Dallas and surrounding areas. Rumors began flowing like a river. People missing. Children, mothers. Majority were the renters in the apartment complex.

First responders arrived quickly and many neighbors checked on each other. Many were directed to stay away from the burning building and most did, except one man who went into that hell pit and pulled a young child from the building.

Now that the smoke has cleared and time has revealed the truth, Sylvia Collins is no longer with us in body. The pain and grief may never go away for some but her encouragement and courage must be carried on.

To those who were privileged to have known Sylvia and spent time with her know that this tragedy is a reminder that life is short. So, this cold one is for you Sylvia.

Hasta La Victoria

By Ronnie Mestas

(Publishers note, I met Sylvia years ago at the monthly Chorizo & Menudo Breakfast meeting in Dallas and believe she was in Fort Worth for the C&M Breakfast in May. And while I cannot say I knew her personally and know what she meant to her community. Our sincere condolences to family and all that knew her, she will be missed) A. Govea