"Lit a candle in memory of Mary P. Silva"
In loving memory of
Mary P. Silva
January 23, 1923 - October 21, 2016
Mary lived her full and eventful life in Los Banos, CA. Born to A.F. and Maria Pereira, at the age of 11, Mary became both mother and sister to her four younger brothers upon her mother's death. In March of 1946 she married her partner of 53 years, Victor Silva and raised four children Anthony, Franklin, Marilyn, and Daniel on a dairy that they owned and operated for over 30 years; where she tended the children, milked the cows, pulled calves, and maintained the farm. After she retired from the farmer’s life, she devoted herself to the full time job of loving her ten grandchildren and six great –grandchildren. Towards the end of her long and fulfilling life, she spent her remaining years at New Bethany under the care and support of their wonderful staff; a special thanks to Tamara.
When not actively involved in her children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s lives, Mary enjoyed many hobbies, which included caring for her beautiful garden full of vegetables, fruits, almonds, and flowers; she was especially fond of her Irises. She was an accomplished seamstress; making dresses for special functions, mending her grandchildren’s torn shirts, or patching a hole in Victor’s pants. Unbeknownst to many, Mary was a talented artist; some of her works still hang with pride in her daughter’s home. She was well known and respected throughout the community; almost none knew her as well as Rachel from Sue & Co. Salon who always did a phenomenal job making her look and feel beautiful for over 30 years.
Mary never took the simple pleasures for granted and made sure to enjoy a bowl of ice cream, especially vanilla, every day; or compete in a raucous game of Bingo with her friends at New Bethany.
During her life in Los Banos, she was greatly involved in her community. She was a member of YLI and Native Daughters, where she received her 50 years pins, and a long-standing member of various Portuguese organizations and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She even dedicated 20 years of her time, effort, and wisdom to fostering young farmers as a local 4-H leader.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years Victor Silva Jr., parents A.F. and Maria Pereira, and brother Tony Pereira.
She is survived by her sons Franklin (Linda), Anthony (Cheryl), and Daniel (Sandy); daughter Marilyn, brothers Joseph (Josephine), Manuel and Henry (Evelyn); Brother-in-law Manuel Silva (Connie), sister-in-law Madeline Pereira, ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
If you would like to honor Mary’s memory, please make a donation to Memorial Hospital of Los Banos or New Bethany.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel from 5-7 p.m. The funeral Mass on Monday, October 31, 2016 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial at Los Banos Cemetery District.