In Memory of Sylvia Stanley Mulka

Sylvia Stanley Mulka (they/them), age 79, of Tucson passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024, at their home.  Stan was born on April 17, 1945 and raised in Michigan. He had a long and illustrious career as an educator in his native state, ultimately retiring as the Director of Special Education for the Oxford Area Community Schools.

“Sylvia had a strong belief in human potential. I was so impressed with their perspective as a donor, that they were lucky enough to have resources that they used to support programs that give each individual the opportunity to bring out the best in themselves. They were committed to the LGBTQ+ community, Tucson, and fostering organizational sustainability. On a personal level, they were a delight and dear friend, and I will miss them,” shared CFSA’s CEO Jenny Flynn.

LGBTQ+ Alliance Board Chair Anne Dougherty shared “Sylvia was a passionate steward and generous benefactor for organizations serving the LGBTQ+ community. Their dedication to the Alliance Fund’s mission was unwavering, and their impact is indelibly woven into its legacy. Sylvia’s contributions to the Fund are invaluable as a committed steward, a dedicated board member, and a cherished friend to many. They will be deeply missed by the Alliance Fund and the many LGBTQ+ organizations and individuals in Southern Arizona they supported.”

Stan survived two near-death experiences. First as a crew member on the SS Cedarville, a bulk carrier ship that sailed through the Great Lakes transporting limestone.  In 1965 the ship tragically sank as the result of a collision in the Straits of Mackinac, losing several crew members but fortunately sparing Stan.  In 2000 he received a cancer diagnosis of stage four B cell lymphoma.  Expected to succumb, he miraculously recovered through treatment with a then-experimental stem cell therapy.

Sylvia moved to Tucson in 2003 as a health retiree in search of a better climate.  Within a short time, they established herself as a pillar of the LGBT+ community, joining Wingspan and the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance (SAGA).  As their familiarity with the community grew, they were recruited to join the board of the LGBTQ+ Alliance Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona.

As a major donor to many different organizations, Sylvia enabled people throughout Baja Arizona to achieve their potential.  They were instrumental in helping the Southern Arizona Aids Foundation to open the Thornhill-Lopez Center on 4th Avenue for LGBT+ Youth.  They were a critical contributor, as well as the treasurer of SAGA.  They invested in the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Southern Arizona Senior Pride.  They worked with the Arizona Land and Water Trust to preserve valuable water and farmland from overdevelopment.  They contributed generously to Planned Parenthood, to preserve women’s rights to bodily integrity.

As a community member, Sylvia was a valued leader, a wonderful organizer, and a gracious elder.  They were known for their friendly demeanor and were passionate about helping family, friends, and community. They led an active life and enjoyed gardening traveling and board games. They had a strong competitive streak, often excelling in tennis, skiing, and other athletic pursuits.

Sylvia is survived by their partner Miki Odawa, plus three daughters, Lora Hoagg, Stephanie Mulka (Steven Ball), and Stacey Mulka, and one grandson, Andrew “Drew” Hoagg.  He is further survived by his sister Linda Mattson-Mulka and brothers James and David Mulka. They were preceded in death by their parents, Leopold and Nina Mulka.

There will be a Celebration of Sylvia’s Life in the fall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Alliance Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, in honor of Sylvia Mulka, 5049 E. Broadway Blvd, Suite 201, Tucson, AZ 85715.  https://cfsaz.org/alliancefund/