Ilda DaSilva

PAWCATUCK - Ilda C. DaSilva, 98, of Pawcatuck, CT passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025 at The Carriage House at The Elms in Westerly, RI. She was the beloved wife of the late Manuel 'Manny' DaSilva, who preceded her in death in November 1999.

Born in Setbal, Portugal, Ilda was raised by relatives in Murtosa. In May 1969, she married Manny, and soon after they settled in Stonington Borough, a place that reminded them of their hometown in Portugal.

Ilda worked for many years as a braider at Kellems Co., a division of Harvey Hubbell, before retiring. She was a devoted communicant of St. Mary's Church and an active member of both the Our Lady of Fatima Society in Stonington and the Daughters of Isabella.

Known for her remarkable crochet and knitting, Ilda created treasured pieces for family and friends. She was also celebrated for her baking - her 'biscoitos', 'Po de L,' and her famous pound cake were shared generously with relatives, friends, and neighbors. Her home reflected her care and artistry as well, with a vibrant garden of colorful flowers and a perfectly kept lawn that she lovingly tended until the age of 95.

She will be deeply missed by her sisters-in-law, Gloria Julio and Iva DaSilva; her nephews, Joe Julio (Silvania) and Jack P. DaSilva (Melody); her nieces, Elizabeth Reynolds (Kevin), Rosalie LaBonte (Ron), Maria-Jos Suggs (Donnell), and Julie Dozier (Austin); as well as several grandnieces and grandnephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at The Carriage House at The Elms, who cared for Ilda with the utmost kindness and compassion - always 'com carinho e amor' (with kindness and love), just as she would say.

Her family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, September 29th from 5-7 pm at the Mystic Funeral Home located on Route 1 in Mystic. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 30th at 11:00 am at St. Mary Church 22 Broad St. in Stonington. Her burial will follow the mass at St. Mary Cemetery in Stonington.