Maria G. Silva

Maria G. Silva, 94, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, godmother, and cherished member of the New Bedford community, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on October 8, 2025 at Saint Luke's Hospital.

Born in New Bedford, Maria was raised in Sao Nicolau, Cape Verde before returning home on the Schooner Lucy Evelyn at the age of 16. A quiet, yet strong woman, she lived a remarkable life of devotion to her family and her faith. She was a long-time communicant of Saint Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church where she took pride in managing Rectory responsibilities guided by the late Reverend John P. Driscoll. She was also a loving Grandmother at Holy Family Holy Name School.

Maria was a member of the community who planned for and made the courageous decision to have her own children be among the first to integrate New Bedford Public schools by participating in the busing program. She understood the importance of educating all children. She loved animals, Cape Verdean music and culture, and most of all, watching all of her grandchildren participate in all sports and other activities.

Maria was the adored Matriarch of her family. The mother of ten daughters and one son, Maria never raised her voice. Her greatest joy was loving and caring for her entire family which, in many ways, extended to the entire New Bedford community. Her example of unwavering love directly shaped the lives of her children and echoes throughout the five generations of her family.

Throughout life's many challenges, including the loss of her beloved six daughters and three grandchildren, she remained a steady source of resilience. Her resolute trust in God remained unshakable until her last days. The heavenly gates have welcomed one of God's greatest gifts. Our earthly angel is now our heavenly angel.

She was the loving mother of Alfredo "Sonny" Silva and his wife Faith and Margaret "Peggy" Dias and her husband Mark of New Bedford; Shirley Silva-Paige, Beverly Gresham, and Melissa Wilson and her husband Conan, all of Maryland.

She leaves behind 23 grandchildren, Lyle Silva, Marques Houtman, Isaiah Houtman, Jordan DeBarros, Damon Gomes, Necole Ervin, Antoinette Silva, Corday Silva, Raegan Williams, Naomi Paige, William "Billy" Paige, LaToya Wright, Ruben Gresham Jr., Myles Dias, Mayse Dias, Angeleena Tavares, Amilton "AJ" Tavares, Maria "Ria" Tavares, M'Lyssa Silva, Morgan Silva, Sanaa Wilson, Satchel Wilson, and Sati Wilson; and more than 20 great and great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sons-in-law, Raymond Houtman, Daniel Barros, Amilton Tavares, Wiliam Paige Jr., and Ruben Gresham, Sr.

We wish to honor the special bond she shared with her granddaughter-in-law, Clementina "Tina" Houtman, who, over the past 10 years, was not only her devoted Personal Care Assistant but also a source of constant love and companionship.

Maria is predeceased by her husband, Alfredo "Freddie" Silva, and their beloved daughters, Sandra Gonsalves, Elaine Silva, Yvonne Houtman, Ann Marie Silva, Diane Tavares, and Antonet "Toni" Silva; and son-in-law John "Nunui" Gonsalves. She also mourned the loss of her grandson Keri Jon Gonsalves and granddaughters, Amanda and Dominique Tavares.

Maria is reunited with her parents Ana (Santos) and John Livramento and all of her siblings, Antonio Andrade, Manuel Andrade, Joao Andrade, Joseph Andrade, Rufina Paris and Joseph Livramento.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday October 15th at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Lawrence Martyr Church at 10 AM. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday October 14th from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maria's memory to the Boys & Girls Club New Bedford or the Humane Society & Shelter SouthCoast.