Obituary of Sylvia De La Pena Abbenante

Sylvia DE LA PEÑA ABBENANTE EDINBURG - Sylvia de la Peña Abbenante, 80, entered eternal rest at her home on February 11, 2021 in Edinburg, surrounded by her family. Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband, John F. Abbenante; her parents, Erasmo E. and Amelia de la Peña. Sylvia is survived by her daughter, Veronica Sevilla; her son-in-law, Mike Sevilla; two grandchildren, Seth and Rayna Sevilla; three siblings, Edward de la Peña (Jane), Elsie Butcher and Nelda Tijerina (Ernest). Sylvia (Bebee) was born in Brownsville, Texas on May 2, 1940. She attended several universities to eventually receive her Doctorate of Education in Counselor Education. She was employed at University of Texas at Pan American, later renamed UTRGV. Sylvia created a long career beginning in 1972 as a university counselor. The following were her titles/experience throughout the years: Coordinator of Counseling Services; Director of Student Financial Aid; Adjunct Faculty; Supervisor at Job Training Partnership Act; Coordinator of Office of Veteran’s Affairs Education Opportunity Program; Coordinator of ACT Research Program; Compliance Officer of Rehabilitation Act of 1977 for the University; Coordinator of Texas Academic Skills Program; Director of the Learning Assistance Center; Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Coordinator for Institutional Effectiveness Office of Institutional Research and Planning. Sylvia retired to enjoy traveling with her husband John and spend time with her grandchildren. She has devoted her life to encouraging education to the students she has taught and mentored. Sylvia will truly be missed by all who knew her. Those of you who shared the same passions of education please continue to pass on to others her gift of encouragement to overcome obstacles to attain knowledge and growth. A memorial service is will be held at a later date. Funeral service is under direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.