Angela Silverberg

1924 - 2016

Angela R. Silverberg, 92

Framingham / Sturbridge - Angela Rita (Mele) Silverberg, 92, of Spruce St., Framingham, MA, and formerly of Sturbridge, MA, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 9th, 2016.

Angela's husband of 53 years, Dr. Joseph E. Silverberg, died in 2005. Angela is survived by children Joseph, Jr. and his wife Debra of Shrewsbury, Peter and his wife Donna of Southbridge, John of Sutton, Martha Hanson and her husband Tom of Framingham, Ann of Clarksville, TN, and Mary of Framingham, with whom she made her home. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Laura Berkheimer, Eric, Andrew, and Gregory Silverberg, Matthew Hanson, and Elizabeth Hanson-Tully and by five great-grandchildren. She was also survived by a brother-in-law Axel Silverberg and a sister-in-law Mildred (Knox) Silverberg, and by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her large family was a great comfort to her, especially in the years following her husband's passing. Angela was predeceased by her brothers Modesto and John Mele and John's wife Irene; her sister Mary and her husband Angelo Fabrizio; and her sister Rose Hardavellas and her husband Theo. Also predeceased by Joseph's siblings and in-laws Carl and Mabel Silverberg, Ernest and Jane Silverberg, Arvid Silverberg, and Karin and Roy Knox.

Born on May 22, 1924, Angela was the youngest daughter of John and Elizabeth (D'Agostino) Mele, of Weston, MA. A graduate of Weston High School and Hickox secretarial school, she worked as a secretary at Murphy Army Hospital, Waltham, where she met her future husband. Following their marriage in 1952 and the completion of Dr. Silverberg's medical residency, the couple and their growing family eventually settled in Sturbridge, MA, where they raised their six children.

After the birth of her first child, Angela devoted her attention to homemaking and child rearing. She volunteered as a member of the Harrington Memorial Hospital Women's Auxiliary and took up craft work including braiding rugs, making ceramics, rug hooking, and knitting. After her children were grown, she volunteered for the American Red Cross, helping with blood donation events, and also served as a second-language English tutor. She was a longtime member of St. Anne and St. Patrick Parish, Sturbridge. With her husband and children, she travelled often and far and especially enjoyed bird watching.

Angela's children are deeply grateful to friends, family, and the dedicated professionals who so often and so generously helped with their parents' care.

Angela's funeral will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 16th from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 10:00am in St. Anne's Church, 16 Church St., Sturbridge. Burial will be in North Cemetery, Sturbridge. Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Monday, Aug. 15th, from 5:00 to 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Harrington Hospital Auxiliary, 100 South St., Southbridge, MA 01550 or to St. Anne and St. Patrick Parish, 16 Church St., Fiskdale, MA 01518.

www.morrillfuneralhome.com