LOPEZ DIDIER, Sylvia

Sylvia passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025. She was born February 18, 1935 to Rose and Frank Lopez at Centro Asturiano Hospital in Ybor City. She was a graduate of the Academy of the Holy Names and the University of Tampa.

Sylvia’s passion was ballet and through that passion she became a talented prima ballerina. Her love for ballet brought her to New York City where she studied and performed for both the NewYork City Ballet Company and Radio City Music Hall. Not only was her dream to dance and perform at such amazing venues, she also had a desire to teach.

Once Sylvia returned to Tampa she opened her own dance companies:
The Tampa City Center Ballet Company and the Tampa Civic Ballet Company where she taught and inspired students for over 30 years. Her accomplishments did not stop there. She continued teaching for another 25 years. Sylvia brought ballet to the University of Tampa’s Football Team teaching them coordination and agility through dance. She worked at Disney World in Orlando instructing dance to those employed as the theme park’s characters. Jackie’s Studio of Tampa is another place she took her expertise. There she taught ballet, tap and jazz. Lastly the Harbour Island Athletic Club where she taught ballet.

Sylvia will be remembered for her dedication to her family, friends and community. Her amazing passion for life and countless years of sharing her love of the arts.

Sylvia was previously married to the late Norbert Didier, loving mother to her son, Captain N. Gerard Didier, predeceased by her daughter Collette Tozlosky (David), loving grandmother to Troy Tozlosky and Tristan Baron (Les) and Great-grandmother to Bennett Baron. She is predeceased by her longtime companion of 20 years, Jim Neal.

A Memorial Mass will be held July 9th, 10 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church located at 509 N Florida Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33602.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LifePath Hospice.
www.chaptershealth.org