Sylvia Luque McKinney

Sylvia L. McKinney, 65, went home to Heaven on January 13, 2020.  She is survived by her beloved husband of 44 years, Jose R. McKinney; daughter, Melinda Espinoza (Luis); son, Joey G. McKinney (Aimee); sisters, Lydia Hernandez and Grace Winfrey; grandchildren, Antonio Espinoza, Rene Espinoza, Adela McKinney and Keira McKinney; as well as many nieces and nephews, God-children, extended family and friends.  Her journey with us began when she was born to Macario and Lydia Luque on June 23, 1954 in Bisbee, Arizona. She spent her first 26 years in Bisbee, AZ where she found unfathomable love with her husband, Jose.  They then moved to Tucson in 1980 where their love blossomed into a family four.  Even in her work life Sylvia was giving, she worked as an Executive Secretary for a non-profit for over 20 years. In 2009 she was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease and given a grim life expectancy.  However, Sylvia lived more than 10 years after diagnosis.  It was Sylvia’s strong faith that fueled her strength to persevere and fight with grace and determination, which helped her beat the odds. While going through dialysis, Sylvia enjoyed her iPad games like Words with Friends, Boggle, and Panda Pop.  It should be no surprise then that her favorite game shows were Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, she also loved watching Ellen and Jimmy Kimmel.  Sylvia shared her love with others by cooking or baking for them, she especially enjoyed treating someone to their favorite meal when they would visit; but nothing gave Sylvia more pleasure than spending her time talking and laughing with family and friends.  Sylvia understood how delicate and fleeting life could be so she was always behind the camera capturing memories. Leaving her mark on this world Sylvia made the warmest blankets and beautiful plastic canvas creations.  Sylvia was always thinking of everyone before herself. She was the most loving, caring and generous person.  Sylvia’s presence will always be felt in the love that she imparted on everyone who knew her.