Sylvia Goncalves Godinich
Sylvia Goncalves Godinich, of League City, passed away on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 in Webster, Texas at the age of 54. She was born on October 5, 1967 in France to Henrique and Maria Goncalves.
Sylvia is a graduate from Osoyoos Secondary School in Osoyoos, British Columbia and an Associate Degree in Nursing graduate from the Okanagan University in Kelowna, British Columbia. After, she was recruited by the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. Having a passion for women’s services and women’s health, in 1991, she started her nursing career as a labor and delivery, and ICU nurse at The University of Texas Medical Branch. In 1997, Sylvia joined HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland as the director of women’s services. While at HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland, Sylvia added director of post-operative services to her list of accomplishments, she was then promoted to assistant administrator of nursing services. In 2007, having a love for education, Sylvia obtained her master’s degree in healthcare administration. In 2009, she became the director of labor and delivery at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas. Three years later, she was promoted to associate chief nursing officer and was chosen as a Gulf Coast Division representative for the Executive Development Program cohort. Lastly, in 2017 she joined HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland as the chief nursing officer where she currently served. Sylvia’s hobbies included spending time with her family and friends, going on vacations, attending Astros games and date nights with her husband, Mike. Shopping with her daughter, cooking and baking on holidays, cheering from the stands at her children’s’ sporting events and watching her children grow up. Family was truly the center of her world.
She is survived by her Husband of 28 Years Michael Godinich; Son, Brandon Godinich; Daughter, Kara Godinich; Son, Bryce Godinich, Mother Maria Goncalves; Father Henrique Goncalves, Brother Jason Goncalves and wife Courtney Goncalves.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Crowder Funeral Home (1645 East Main Street League City, Texas 77573).
Funeral service will be Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 11 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1612 E Walker St. League City, Texas 77573), with an interment to follow at Forest Park East Cemetery (21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598).
In remembrance of Sylvia’s life, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Glioblastoma Foundation for further research towards finding a cure.
https://glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/glioblastoma-donations
Sylvia was a devout Catholic and life long member of the Catholic Church. The Family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to St. Mary Catholic Church for their love and support.
Sylvia was a beautiful person with a love for nursing and caring for people, I will miss her and remember the good times at HCA Pearland.
Thankful and blessed to have known this wonderful woman and struggling to understand why she was taken from this place too soon. Peace be with her family and all who will be missing her so much.
I worked in parallel with Sylvia for 30 years. We belonged to the same Woman’s Director’s Group for HCA. She was committed to her family and nursing. She will be missed. I am very sorry to the family for your loss.
My heart goes out to Sylvia’s family and friends. She was one of the finest nurses I’ve had the pleasure to work with and know. She will be greatly miss. I will pray for her family.
She was a beautiful daughter, a special sister, a devoted wife, a loving mother, a skilled compassionate nurse and loyal friend. She met every challenge head on with a grace and style uniquely her own. No one was more accomplished and efficient. While loving her family infinitely, she efficiently managed her household, and balanced a successful career. She was a champion in every way. It was her gift to do all things well. Despite juggling many projects, she was able to make everyone feel loved and cared for. She never made you feel like she didn’t have time for you. She always made you feel special. If you needed something done well and quickly, she’s the one to call.
She was a beautiful valiant warrior up to the very end. Oh my friend, I will miss you desperately. I will see you in the faces and personality of your children, husband and loving family. You have truly left a legacy. God Bless your precious family. My heart is broken for all of us.
Sylvia was such a wonderful and hard working person that I am so glad to have known. We worked at Women’s Hospital and Option Care Women’s Health together and job shared the evening shift at Option Care. She truly loved her family and her children. I will greatly miss her. I offer my prayers and condolences to her family.
Sylvia was a trusted friend and coworker. She was always ready to help out if needed. She will be truly missed. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Words can not adequately express my deepest condolences to the entire family. I was incredibly blessed to have a true friend in Sylvia. She was loving, loyal, compassionate and dedicated to her family, friends, and to Nursing. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time. My heart breaks for each of you but I am grateful each of us will have an angel watching over us. RIP Sylvia ❤️
Such a huge loss…she was such a nice and caring person…she absolutely loved her family big time..i cant believe shes gone.
Sylvia is amazing! She loved Kara and our girls. She was the only one “brave” enough to chaperone all the kids crazy events. Camryn and I are in shock and pray for the family. She is beautiful and kindhearted.
Sylvia was truly one of a kind. Always warm, welcoming and smiling. She was truly the definition of a ray of sunshine to all whom she came across. Prayers for her family in this time. Sylvia will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Godinich family. Thank you for sharing Sylvia with us. I appreciate working with Sylvia at HCA Pearland. She was a smart and charismatic leader, colleague and friend. She will be missed.
Sylvia was a kind and fun friend, we started with HCA in 1997 together and bonded through our common love of Women’s Services. She and I have worked together in many different capacities over the years and I was truly fortunate to have her as my friend.
I miss you very much and we are still in shock at how quickly someone we love can be taken from us.
My deepest condolences to her family – she loved you so, so much.
She will be remembered and deeply missed.
My Boss, My Mentor, but most of all my friend. Having so many things in common, we found it very easy to talk and enjoy each others company. Mike, I realize there’s nothing anyone can say to heal your heart. My prayer and belief is that God and God alone will help you with each passing moment. Brandon, Kara, and Bryce you were the light of her life. I pray that you would honor her memory by continuing to love on each other and taking care of your dad. I know people commonly say things in just. However, when crowds calm down and the phones stop ringing, I will honor Sylvia by being there for you if you ever need anything.
Sylvia, you truly were the best boss I ever had because you were my friend. We all loved you but God loved you most. Rest well now and we will all see you when the trumpet sounds.
I had the privilege of knowing Sylvia throughout her career in the GCD. She was always smiling, always ready and willing to help collaborate and plan together, and always so dedicated to her nurses and staff. To touch so many lives and leave a legacy of care behind her that will carry on is something we all can only hope to achieve. She did so with style, grace, and compassion. I will always remember her and the big smile she brought into all rooms and situations. Until we meet again.
Sylvia is a great leader who joyfully walked in her calling with such integrity. She led us by always doing what is right. She did not only has compassion towards people that she serves but was compassionate; willing to suffer for us by looking not only to her interest but to the interest of others. She is a true gift from our Lord and an living illustration of God’s word: “What does the Lord requires of you? To act justly; to love Mercy and to walk humbly before your God. Micah 6:8. Our prayer and thoughts that the family find peace as they mourn deeply for a great loss and find joy and comfort in their memories about her.
I am so blessed to have known Mrs. Sylvia. She was a great leader who led by example. I will always remember her smile and how she made time to greet everyone she encountered in the hallways. She leaves behind a legacy of care and compassion and was truly a blessing from Father God. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and may they find God’s perfect peace and comfort in their beautiful memories of her.
The kind words Sylvia shared with me the night before her most recent surgery, will be placed in my Bible to reflect on often. This example of her outward care for others, even as she faced her most serious life battle, was a beacon of light pointing to her selflessness. I will always want to strive to be this considerate of others.
She loved her family as everyone that knew her knows. The most important thing is, they knew it well. She didn’t miss a moment to share their life events and celebrate their achievements.
I send my deepest sympathy to her husband, children, sibling and mother. All will be grieving her loss for a lifetime.
Sincerely
Ms. Sylvia was a very nice and sweet lady to everyone. I am going to miss her so much. RIP
Sylvia was truly a kind person who alwys offered a smile and a hug. She touched many people. Her calling was nursing and leading. I send prayers and condolences to her family of comfort, peace, and joy. Hold on to the many memories and thoughts of her. Her life and legacy speak for themselves. Sylvia will truly be missed by the many lives she touched. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Sylvia was a picture of a nightingale whose gentle voice of kindness and compassion was like a song to many. I remember her many gracious words of encouragement, tender hugs and faithful prayers on those days I needed most. The witness of her genuine intentionality to stop and listen to a staff, whether they’re leaving for the night, just arriving for the day or working their shift, was such a melody to a soul’s heart. Her love for God was displayed in and through her life. Whether she’s in her scrubs or in her office outfit, she loved people so well by serving and making them feel known and special. She truly exemplified and lived out this Scripture for us, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12.
To her husband Mike and children Brandon, Kara and Bryce, her love for family was evident. She fondly talked about family togetherness, the anticipation of Brandon coming home from college and the joy of watching her kids’ games. Her constant desire and relentless pursuit for creative ways to connect and spend time with family were at the core of her heart. Family was always first. Oh, the joy and tears of joy as she talked about family. She loved you all so much.
Praying you’ll find comfort and peace from the many precious family memories and from the Great Comforter and Prince of Peace Himself. God Immanuel is Near. He’s as close as the air that you breathe. May you feel his overwhelming love and presence like never before. He is Faithful to meet you in your brokenness. He is near to the brokenhearted and those who are crushed in spirit.
Sylvia, you are deeply missed. Such great comfort that you’re in glory with our Savior, Jesus. We will see again (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17).
Sylvia was such a great leader and nice person and made me feel confident as a new nurse. I feel blessed to have known her for the last year at Pearland. She will be missed dearly.
Our condolences to the Godinich family.May the lord grant peace beyond understanding. I am honored to have had the pleasure of meeting such an incredible human being.
Sylvia, You will truly be missed! Every time I saw you would offer a big hug with a smile to match. You were always positive and offered sound advice. These hallways we not be the same without you! See you in Paradise!
We are deeply sorry for your loss and pain. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Rest in Peace dear Sylvia! Our thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time.
Met Sylvia a few times. One couldn’t helped but to be drawn to her by her smile, positive energy, kindness in her eyes and her warmth. My husband Maynard and I are heartbroken with her passing. Sylvia and her family have been snd are in our prayers during this difficult time. ❤️
I have not known Ms. Sylvia for long . Her stay at Pearland HCA was cut short but left us with an indelible mark. She was an exceptional leader , she led with her heart… her beautiful smile ,calm demeanor and kind disposition exemplifies brilliance and inspired emulation. I looked up to her with utmost respect and admiration.
Her early demise brought so much pain and a sense of loss. My thoughts and prayers goes out to her family and friends.
Eileen Saura
Sylvia and I met in 2009 at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas as professional business partners. But most importantly, we became friends during our tenure at the facility. She always had time to talk to me, regardless of the subject. I will always remember her as being pleasant and friendly. My sincere condolences to the Godinich family. Heaven has a new Angel!!
Sylvia was a born nurse leader! She was a wonderful nurse, wife, mother and a loyal friend to many of us! When she walked into a room she would light it up with her smile, kind greetings and outgoing personality. I had the pleasure of offering Sylvia her first RN position at UTMB L&D in 1991 when she was a very young nurse. I knew that Sylvia would be a leader among all nurses because of her willingness to be a great team member and a loving registered nurse to her patients! Our paths crossed many times over the next two decades as we worked at HCA and she became my colleague and friend at the HCA Director meetings. Sylvia was one of a kind and no one will ever be able to replace this dynamic, kind and caring nurse leader! Prayers, love and hugs to the Godinich & Goncalvez family! May God encircle them in love, peace & faith! RIP our sweet Sylvia❤️
Always enjoyed working with Sylvia at Mainland Hospital. She was a beautiful lady.
LaVerne Long Hoskins
Sylvia truly will be missed. I enjoyed working with her at Mainland. She was an amazing person. Rest in Peace.
Sylvia was absolutely the best mom I and our family could have met. She not only loved her family, she loved everyone around her. Her loving heart was bright and vibrant that I treasure the years our sons played baseball and our last message and conversation with one another. I am beyond blessed and grateful for her help when my brother had his first baby at Women’s Hospital. She checked up on them personally at the hospital and even checked with me to make sure baby and family were doing ok. I will ALWAYS ALWAYS remember her beautiful smile and her warm loving heart and spirit.
Deepest condolences from The Cullen Family to Mike, Bryce, Kara, and Brandon during this difficult time. We are extremely saddened and heartbroken to learn about Sylvia but comforted she is with Our Heavenly Father. xoxoxo
My Deepest condolences from the El-Hafi family to all her family. May God bless her and her family. she was a great leader to have . I miss her SMILING FACE.
Our deepest condolences to your family, gone too soon.
I also worked with Sylvia on a Woman’s Director’s Group with HCA in the 1990’s. Her contributions to our projects to improve care provided to mother’s and their newborns were important. We learned so much together. Sylvia was a gem and I was able to see her during the following years at nursing related conferences. She excelled as a leader. Facebook allowed for me to know how important her family was to her. It is so very sad that such an invasive cancer can end a life so soon.
It’s been a long time since we have seen Sylvia and Michael but, remember our conversations with her fondly. We are saddened to learn the news. However, we are comforted that she is with our Lord and Savior in Heaven. Sending hugs and prayers to the family.
Mike, I’m so saddened to hear about Sylvia’s passing. I just saw a post and saw her picture and someone mentioned her. Michael & I send our sincerest condolences and we want you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts & prayers.
We are living in Naples Fl and we have many fond memories with you both especially our wedding. She was a very special person and friend.