Sylvia Elizabeth Cutaia
Sylvia Cutaia passed away peacefully at her home in Nederland with her husband, Steve, by her side, on November 22nd, 2023. She had fallen several times in the last couple of months and sustained severe trauma to her brain. She never gave up the fight to get back on her feet, but her little body eventually succumbed to the irreversible damage.
Sylvia was born in Victoria, Texas to Morris Quinton Steed and Mary Elizabeth Clapp on January 22nd, 1942. She graduated from Baylor University at the age of 20 and started teaching school. After a couple of years in the classroom, she decided to go to Sam Houston State University to get her master’s degree in library science. She became the librarian at Nederland High School and worked in the education field for 39 years. Although she was tough on her students, she knew that education was something that no one could take away from them. She wanted all of them to succeed in life, so they wouldn’t have to struggle just to survive in this world.
Sylvia was an avid reader and had worn out several Nooks after she retired in 1999. Traveling to casinos and playing Pai Gow was one of her favorite pastimes. She especially liked traveling to Lake Tahoe and Coushatta.
Being an excellent cook was one of her many talents. Her favorite thing to bake was rum cakes in several different flavors. She would bake them for church bake sales, our doctors, friends, and anybody else that asked for one. And although most of the time her friends wanted to pay her for them, she would never except their offer. It was her way of giving joy to others. If you had ever met Sylvia, you would know what a generous and elegant woman she was. Her thoughtfulness, kindness, and friendship were something that everyone who knew her admired. She was also a cat lover and made sure that the “step cats” of the neighborhood never went hungry or thirsty.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Mary Martha Steed; her husbands, Mike Burnfin and Jim Burnfin (cousins); father-in-law, John Cutaia; mother-in-laws, Margie Cutaia and Johnnie Garrison; sister-in-laws, Diana Cutaia, Andelene and husband, Kurt Rodrigue; nephew, Brandon Savoie; and many of her fur babies.
She is survived by her husband, Steve Cutaia; sister-in-laws, Betty Barnette, Janis Cutaia, Patti and husband, Tommy Martin, and Johnna Blunt; brother-in-laws, John Cutaia and Ronnie Peveto; nieces, Michele and husband, Jeff Bistany, Dana and husband, Matt Robinson, and Terra Cutaia; great nieces, Bianca Baughn, Jordana Bistany and Olivia Lezcano; great-great niece, Aria Taylor; great nephew, Hunter Robinson and wife, Kelsie; and fur babies Shelly, Benji, and Dusty.
A gathering of Mrs. Cutaia’s family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with her funeral mass to begin at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Saint Catherine’s Catholic Church, 3706 Woodrow Drive, Port Arthur, under the direction of Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. Her cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Ave, Beaumont, Texas 77705 or Saint Catherine’s Catholic Church, 3706 Woodrow Drive, Port Arthur, Texas 77642.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
- 3706, Woodrow Dr, Port Arthur, TX, 77642,
- December 2, 2023
- 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Funeral Mass
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
- 3706, Woodrow Dr, Port Arthur, TX, 77642,
- December 2, 2023
- 11:00 am
Committal
Broussard’s Crematorium
- 5150, Stivers Dr, Beaumont, TX, 77705,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss Steve. I just happened upon this and wanted to send you my deepest condolences.
Sincere condolences to the family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God provide the necessary peace and comfort to your family and friends during this difficult time. Please remember these words of encouragement from the Bible: “ Jesus plainly told her: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” —John 11:20-25.
I’m so very sorry for your loss Steve. may God’s blessings be with you and family at this difficult time.
I’m sorry for your loss my heart go out to you im in your prayers 🙏 she with angel 😇 now with loved we will miss you so much and piece and in heaven look down families and friends ❤️ and wonderful memories from katerina papoutsis
Steve, We are so sorry for your loss. Sylvia was such a precious lady. I loved all of my visits with Sylvia on your driveway, when she went out to get the paper. Y’all are the absolute best neighbors. What a special lady who was filled with so much love. You are in our prayers. Cliff and I are thinking of you during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Burnfin. Cindy and I had so much fun working in the library with her. She was so good to us and made sure we knew the chronological order and proper way to file the books. I ran into her several times at Market Basket and she told me she and Steve had gotten married. She was so happy. I am sorry for your loss Steve.
Our Beautiful Dear Friend, Rest in Peace 🙏
Sylvia, WE LOVE YOU❤️
I knew Sylvia in high school. She was my math teacher either junior or senior year – 69/70. She was an amazing lady – very strict but with a heart of gold. So much passion, compassion and empathy for life. I loved her dearly.
Steve Im sad that Sylvia had health challenges in later life.
I was surprised to see the above obit describing her as a tough teacher. Coming from a ‘difficult’ student who didnt like math, I found her to be a teacher who had a way to motivate through positive reinforcement. We wanted to do good for her. She maintained control of the classroom with a soft hand.
One of my favorite teachers.
Steve Im glad she found you. My condolences.
Very Sadden to Hear
Steve,
I just saw a post about Sylvia. I am so sorry. She was such a sweet lady. I loved visiting with both of you!!! She will be missed by so many!!! Will keep you in my prayers!!!!
With my Deepest Sympathy,
Diane Bowen
Steve, so sorry to hear of Sylva’s passing. Prayers for you and the family.
Steve, I’ll be praying for you and your family. I know Sylvia was so loved and now is completely healed.
Thoughts and prayers!