Jane Angelina DeSilva

Jane A. Garfi DeSilva, 89, of Schenectady, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on May 22, 1936 in Lawrence MA., Jane was the daughter of Salvatore (Sam) Garfi and Raffaella (Ruth) Sciolla.
Jane lived a life full of family, skiing, tennis, pickleball and travel, especially to her beloved Italy. Very proud of her Italian heritage, Jane traveled to Italy often, usually for months at a time, and it was a great delight for her to be able to introduce that country to her children and several
of her grandchildren. Before Italy, she instilled a love of the ocean, particularly Salisbury Beach MA., a destination her children and grandchildren still visit every summer.
A graduate of Searles High School in Methuen, MA, Jane moved to Schenectady NY with her husband and children in 1961. Jane was employed by General Electric in Schenectady and was a member of its Quarter Century Club.
Jane was predeceased by her parents, Sam and Ruth, her brothers John and Alfred Garfi, and her sister Joanna Graro. She is survived by her children JeriAnn DeSilva of Saratoga Springs, John DeSilva of Ft. Washington, MD and Joanna DeSilva of Salisbury Beach, MA. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Jason (Kelsey) Thomas, Daniel (Kelly) Thomas, Amanda (Jason) Teagle, Connie (Raymond) Ottaviano-Nardone, Juliet Ottaviano, Gabrielle Ottaviano, Joel Clark, Joya Clark, James (Ethan) Clark and Ryan DeSilva. Jane is also survived by twelve great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by her dear friend Lucy Verrigni.
Jane's family is deeply appreciative of the loving and compassionate care given Jane by the staff at the Heritage Home for Women in Schenectady, and especially by the staff of the Capstone Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Amsterdam.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday April 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the First Reformed Church of Scotia, located at 224 N. Ballston Ave. A reception will follow at the church hall.
Donations in Jane's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Special Olympics, Inc.