Obituary of Sylvia Rossler Giammalva
Sylvia Rossler Giammalva, born December 7, 1937, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 16, 2022. She is preceded in death by her parents, Florence Rossler and Louis Rossler, and brother Louis “Honkey” Rossler, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Saverio Vincent Giammalva, daughters, Jana Giammalva, Risse Knight (Kevin), Victoria Minton (Jarrett), and grandchildren Mary Alex Knight Mizell (Carter), Meredith Knight, Melanie Knight, David Minton, Thomas Minton, Elizabeth Minton, great grandson Reeves Mizell, and childhood friend Wanda Schaffner along with many nieces and nephews.
Sylvia was born and raised in Sealy, Texas. She attended the University of Houston where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
Sylvia was a striking woman known for her beauty, creativity, keen sense of fashion, contagious laugh, and love for beautiful things. She enjoyed watching football and especially baseball as an avid Astros fan. Sylvia was a woman of many talents. She was an outstanding seamstress, sewed for herself and designed one-of-a-kind gowns for her daughters’ formals and even a suit for her husband! As a phenomenal cook, she could execute an elaborate feast with very little planning - no one left hungry. Her grandchildren gravitated toward her humble style and thoroughly appreciated her outlandish sense of humor, and willingness to please. They felt the true appreciation and respect she had for each of them.
She took exceptional care of the household and was a loving and devoted wife to her husband Saverio. Sylvia and Saverio enjoyed many trips to Europe and traveled all over, including short occasional trips with friends to Las Vegas and New Orleans, visiting art galleries, playing blackjack and Fridays at Galatoires. She and her husband shared many hobbies, and she had a true passion for fine art and antiques. Sylvia could make a career out of every hobby she had. As an independent art consultant, she was extremely knowledgeable regarding Early Texas Artists and American Impressionism and served as a mentor to many. Sylvia and Saverio made friends everywhere they went. With their love for good food and wine, they frequented and supported many local restaurants. They are longtime members of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.
The family would like to thank Dr. Konopleva and her team at MD Anderson, Crossroads Hospice, their outstanding caregivers, Cassandra, Tammy, Shunyia, and personal assistant Jennifer Jones.
The Requiem Mass will take place 10 a.m., Thursday, July 21, 2022 at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham, 7809 Shadyvilla Lane, Houston, Texas 77055.
The family kindly asks that you do not send flowers. Your friendship and words of encouragement are most appreciated. Those wishing to make donations in Sylvia’s name can do so at the following: St. Thomas Catholic High School – The Sylvia and Saverio Giammalva Scholarship Foundation, 4500 Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77007; St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road, Houston, Texas 77056; The Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham, 7809 Shadyvilla Lane, Houston, Texas 77055.
