Mary H. Silva

Mary Henrietta Silva, age 84 of Raynham, formerly of Berkley, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River.

Born in Taunton, she was the daughter of the late Henry L. and Theresa A. (Chaisty) Silva.

Mary attended both Saint Mary's Elementary and High School, graduating in 1958. She went forward in her education at Sturdy Memorial Hospital graduating in the class of 1961 as a Registered Nurse. Her mother Theresa was a Registered Nurse who inspired her to seek a nursing career. Both her parents were very supportive of her nursing journey.

She worked in the Boston area for decades, finally retiring as a Nursing Supervisor at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in Jamaica Plain. Miss Silva enjoyed the educational programs at the hospital, working with the Medical Interns, all the hospital staff and eventually recruited "two of her three nurse sisters" for the Shattuck.

Post retirement, Mary kept busy with volunteer work for the town of Berkley. In 2018, Mary received a citation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts House of Representatives in recognition of her service to the Berkley Council on Aging for her dedication to enhancing the lives of the seniors in her community.

Mary was an avid reader, enjoying a great mystery novel. She spent countless summers with her family at their Wareham cottage which was built by her parents in 1946.

Previously residing in Norwood, she then moved to Berkley in the 1990's to a home built for her by our brother Henry.

She spent years doing investigative genealogy. Trekking off to Boston to the archives and visiting many cemeteries to find our ancestors.

Mary was the eldest of seven children and “Aunt Mimi” to dozens of nieces and nephews. She was called upon to do school pickups, doctor appointments and other duties that she did not hesitate to act on. In her younger years Mimi traveled to many vacation spots including England, Alaska, Colorado, Florida and finally to the Grand Canyon. She enjoyed the Grange Meeting and the company of her friend the late Jean Harmon.

Most of all she enjoyed the company of her family and classmate Sue Maxwell (Class of 1961) for a good game of Upwords!

She is survived by her siblings, Margaret A. Silva-Pacheco of Dighton, Patricia E. Martin of Stafford, VA, Alicia Theresa Basti of Newburyport, Barbara I Silva of Berkley, Joseph L. Silva of Lakeville, and Henry L. Silva of Berkley, many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to visit Mary’s family on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, with a funeral service beginning at 12:00 pm, at Sowiecki-Snyder Home for Funerals & Cremation Services, 69 West Britannia Street, Taunton. Interment will be private in Saint Joseph Cemetery in Taunton at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to American Red Cross or the non-profit of your choice. 

For directions and online condolences, please visit us at www.sowieckifh.com or on Facebook at Sowiecki-Snyder Home for Funerals & Cremation Services.