Maria Fatima Silva

Maria Fatima Silva died on August 6, 2025, held with love by her husband and daughter at her side, after a long and courageous journey with breast cancer.

Maria was born on the island of Faial in the Azores, Portugal, one of 23 children in a family that exemplified strength and resilience. The spirit of her homeland remained a guiding force in her life. With incredible bravery, she left behind the familiar to build a new life in the United States. Through quiet determination, she learned a new language, built a new home, became a U.S. citizen, and created opportunities not only for herself but for the generations who followed.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 34 years, Sebastiao Silva; her beloved daughter Diana Maria Goularte and son-in-law Jim Goularte; her cherished granddaughters Alyssa Maria MacDougall (Michael MacDougall) and Nicolette Fatima Taylor (Marshall Taylor); her adored great-grandchildren Connor James, Riley Rose, and Matthew Charles MacDougall; her brother Charles Silva; and her niece Mary Sousa.

Maria expressed her love through thoughtful, everyday acts of care-cooking meals for her family, hosting joyful holiday celebrations, playing for hours with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and ensuring everyone around her was nourished, safe, and cared for. Her traditional Portuguese dishes- bacalhau, linguica, sweet rice, and her lovingly home-canned tuna-were treasured by all and her cherished recipes will continue to be passed down in the family.

Some of her happiest moments were spent by the ocean in Half Moon Bay with her husband in their RV, and traveling back to Portugal to reconnect with family and friends she held dear. Maria's work ethic was unmatched, and she always led with integrity, earning the admiration of those she worked alongside and the love of all who knew her. Her Catholic faith was a meaningful part of her life, offering her strength and comfort through both joyful and challenging times.

Maria was a woman of strength, sacrifice, and enduring love. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the traditions she upheld, the faith she carried, and the resilience she modeled through every chapter of her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A mass will be held on August 26th at 11am at Five Wounds Portuguese Church (1375 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95116).