Aida Fernandes Silva

Aida Fernandes Silva

Neptune

Aida Fernandes Silva passed away peacefully at her home in Neptune on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011, a date that was exactly 92 years to the day she arrived in her beloved America. She was a devoted wife to her husband 'Gus' and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Aida was born in Portugal in 1915. She immigrated to the United States in 1919 with her mother Maria and her sister Esmeralda. Her father Anibal awaited their arrival in New York. The Fernandes family settled in New Rochelle, New York where Aida met August Silva in 1937. The two were married in 1939. In that same year, the couple moved to Neptune on the Jersey Shore, where they raised seven children. Aida became an active member of the Altar and Rosary Society of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Asbury Park and at Holy Innocents Catholic Church in Neptune upon its' founding in 1959. She was a frequent contributor to the Asbury Park Press opinion page where she wrote as a steadfast and convincing advocate for the Catholic faith and its' teaching. Aida touched many lives with her intelligence, wit, sparkling blue eyes and beautiful smile. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Aida is predeceased by her husband, August in 1977, and daughter, Cynthia Kerwin. Surviving daughters, Deanna Meyers, Constance Hand, husband Jeffery, Mary Grez and Lydia Silva, sons, Anthony, Joseph and wife Beth. Her ten grandchildren, Christie, Kelly, Billy, Kerry, Beth, Nicole, Robbie, Chris, Emily, and Gus will miss their beloved "mommom." Also, surviving are her thirteen great grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be Sunday, October 16th from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Ely Funeral Home, 3316 Corlies Ave in Neptune. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 17th at Holy Innocents R.C. Church West Bangs Ave, Neptune, followed by internment at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Rt.66, Neptune.