Maria Matílde Silva

Today we celebrate an extraordinary woman, Maria Matílde Silva. With deep love and gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved grandmother who left this world at the remarkable age of 102, living a lifetime filled with courage, devotion, music, and stories that we will cherish forever.

Maria Matílde Morais was born in Loural, São Jorge, Açores to António Morais Cardoso and Maria Umbelina Cardoso on March 10th, 1923. At the age of 29, she married Manuel Silva and made the brave journey to the United States of America, carrying with her hope, strength, and dreams in search of opportunity and a better future for her and her family. That journey helped shape generations to come.

She created a home in Modesto, CA where she resided until she passed. She was a caring wife to her beloved husband and a proud mother to her one cherished child Orland Silva and daughter-in-law Lori Silva. Her legacy grew to include grandchildren; MeChele and Jason Ramirez, Donavon and Mary Silva, Suzanne Silva and David McIntyre, great-grandchildren; Kaitlynn and Sean Taylor, Sarah and Emilio Chavez, Chloe Daugherty, Alizah Silva, Jacob Daugherty, Donavon Silva, Amiliyah Silva, Olivia Ramirez, and one precious great-great-grandchild; Ezekiel Taylor, which all brought her pride and joy. Matilde was the last of her siblings to pass; Manuel Morais Cardoso, Júlio Morais Cardoso, João Morais Cardoso, Gil Morais Cardoso, Alberto Morais Cardoso, Maria Olivia Morais DeMello, Adelaide Umbelina Silva, Rosa Morais Sousa, and Liduina Morais Cardoso.

Her years were filled with stories, laughter, wisdom, quiet strength, and love. She was the heart of her family, a keeper of traditions, and a source of guidance. Her resilience and strong spirit will be remembered by all who knew her. She leaves behind family who will cherish her lessons and the example she set through a century of grace and perseverance. Her life was a testament to strength, faith, and family. She witnessed more than a century of change, yet her values remained constant. 102 years was a gift to both her and to all of us who were blessed to know her. We will always remember her.