Sylvia A. Stern Stone

she was greatly weakened by seizures 8 months later. We’re heartbroken to share that Sylvia passed away on April, 10, 2022 in the comfort of her beautiful home in Austin & with her beloved husband, Ron Stone by her side.

Born Sylvia Alma Acevedo in Brownsville, Texas to Joe Acevedo of Austin, Texas, and Caroline Rodriguez of Roma Texas, Sylvia was raised in McAllen. Her Pena Matriarch was one of the founders of Roma, Texas in the mid-1700's. Sylvia always took great pride in her heritage and the strong women that spanned generations made a huge impact on her life. Sylvia was taught from an early age by her father to, “Remember, you are no better and no worse than anyone else…” This mindset was something that shaped nearly every aspect of her life.

Sylvia was a voracious reader and a notorious “Chatty Cathy” who often found herself in trouble at church or sitting in the hallway as a punishment for talking in class. Sylvia turned this into a positive trait and went to the State Championship representing McAllen High in debate. She studied at UT RGV where she received a BA in Communications, Masters in Communications and eventually a Master’s in Psychology.

Sylvia's professional career began as a teacher in McAllen before moving on to the Texas Education Agency in Austin. During this time, she married Jay Stern and had their daughter, Shana Leslie.

When IBM had an opening in personnel for training and recruiting in 1976, Sylvia seized the opportunity. It was through her analysis & communication later in her career, that IBM Corporate executives were shown there was much-needed work to be done to hire and retain women and minority leaders in executive positions. Also, while doing her part in the corporate world, she created the Austin School Mentoring Program and was recognized for this work by receiving the U.S. President's Award in 1989.

Sylvia wanted to leave the world a better place for everyone she encountered, especially women and minorities. She stood for Equal Opportunity for all & would tell people, "It's up to you to seize the opportunity and build it into something. Do not be denied!"

She did extensive volunteer work and was one of the first female voices in the male dominated Austin Chamber of Commerce almost 50 years ago, representing IBM, women and minority interests while also working to organize Leadership Austin to focus and improve career opportunities for many. She was involved in Planned Parenthood for over 30 years. She was a mainstay in the Leadership Texas Class in 1990 which focused on the development of women in leadership positions in government and in business - with assistance from Governor Ann Richards.

After 15 years at IBM, Sylvia started her own business and was sought out by large corporations and universities to educate, orient and train in management topics such as: Equal Opportunity, Leadership, Employee Evaluation and Development, Career Coaching, Effective Communication and Gender Orientation among many other topics.

Sylvia became a popular motivational and keynote speaker as she toured the country delivering hundreds of presentations. She was a published author as well as a genealogical researcher who

was always on the go, attending book clubs, events in the arts, sharing and helping others as they pursued their own dreams & careers.

The job she took the most pride in was being a sensational mother to her daughter Shana Leslie. Sylvia was at every dance recital, play, pep rally and football game - cheering on her daughter. When the dance team performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade - Sylvia was with them. When they needed parents to chaperone at prom, Sylvia was there. She & Shana shared one of those special, tight bonds and Sylvia relished her role as GG to her grandson Walker.

Sylvia lived for her family, for helping others, and was known to gladly assist anyone who sought her counsel in seeking new opportunities for them with her extensive network and knowledge. She never accepted, "I can't,” and countless people have benefited from her endless advocacy, contributions & her warm heart.

Sylvia loved music and dancing! She is often remembered dancing at parties, in classes and through her house while doing housework! In fact, it was dancing that brought her together with the love of her life, Ron Stone. They became inseparable partners, traveling through the US and Europe, sharing unforgettable experiences together and dancing wherever they could.

She will be greatly missed. Sylvia is survived by her husband Ron, daughter Shana, grandson Walker, sister Sandi Piepmeier, brothers Joe and Jimmy Acevedo and thousands of cousins and relatives.

A special thanks goes out to Lawrence Maze at Bubbiecare, Caretaker/Whisperer Pamela Finnell and Hospice Austin.

A celebration of life will be held in Austin, Texas at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her memory to Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (donation link below) or the charity of your choice.