Dorothy M. Silvia

On Friday, November 4, 2011, Dorothy "Dottie" Mae (Souza) Silvia, age 85, went gratefully to God and her beloved late husband, Francis P. Silvia, after a long and brave battle with COPD. In Dottie's last year, she was tenderly cared for at home where she loved to be. The angels of hospice through Visiting Nurse Services of Newport County gave her loving care along with several family members and dear friends. Dottie was surrounded with love and compassion. Dottie was born on February 23, 1926 in Newport to Anthony and Laura (Lewis) Souza. She spent most of her adolescence on Garfield Street enjoying places like the Van Zandt Pier, Hunter Playground and Coggeshall Schoolyard. Dottie's first job was at Fisherman's on Thames Street where she worked as a cashier. She then worked the soda fountain on the Navy Base. Her last job before she married was as an operator for the Bell Company. In 1944 she married Francis Paul Silvia from Green End Avenue in Middletown. Their marriage of nearly 58 years was like no other. They had a wonderful time going to parties and entertaining in their home. Dottie was always impeccably dressed, even to go to the grocery store. Their active social life was extremely rewarding to both themselves and the countless number of friends they made over the years. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, baking and cooking. Dottie was known for her famous malassadas, massa cranberry sauce, kale soup, chourico and peppers, baked goodies and amazing lobster parties. She also enjoyed serving on the Middletown Rotary Club, was extremely active in volunteering in her children's schools and for many years was on the bowling league at Aquidneck Lanes. She was selfless and generous, always there to lend a kind word or a helping hand. Spending winters at their Florida home was the highlight of her later years. Dottie has been reunited with her husband, Francis Silvia, and leaves behind their four children; Jerilyn Silvia, Joanne DiTucci and her husband, Charles, Judith Silvia-Nelson and her partner, Ray, and James Silvia. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren; Tanis Silvia, Heather Jones, Jessica Merrill, Joel Nelson, Justin DiTucci, Jared Kane and Jaxon Kane; one great-grandchild, Sydney Jones; and siblingsWilliam Souza and Carolyn Almeida. Preceding her in death were siblings, Eddie Souza, Raymond Souza and Barbara Silvia. Dottie leaves behind several in-laws; Margaret Botelho, Arthue Silvia, Raymond Silvia, William Silvia, Elizabeth Silvia, Joan Holthaus and preceded in death by Patricia Sheehan, along with their respective families. Sadly she leaves all of her friends. Dottie was under the loving care of the hospice team of Visiting Nurse Services of Newport County. They made her last year comfortable and provided her with the best care and quality of life. Their comfort and guidance was very much appreciated by the family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 10 am in Jesus Saviour Church, Vernon Avenue and Broadway, Newport, RI, followed by burial in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 from 4-7 pm in Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport County, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871