Jeanette DaSilva

1948 - 2024

Jeanette DaSilva
September 6, 2024
Jeanette Mary DaSilva of Winterport, ME, passed away peacefully in her home on September 6th, 2024. Her loving husband of 54 years was by her side. She was predeceased by her parents, Hilda and Joesph Haire and by her son Alan DaSilva. She is survived by her brother, Joesph Haire and his wife Mary of New Haven, CT, brother John Haire and partner Barbara Meloto of New Haven, CT, son Greg DaSilva of Bangor, ME, son Nathan DaSilva and his wife Jessica of Middlefield, CT, daughter Morgan DaSilva of Brunswick, ME and her daughters-in-law Katherine DaSilva of Perkiomenville, PA and April DaSilva of Winterport, ME. She leaves behind eight grandchildren she adored – Kaelin, Lillian, Tristan, Skylar, Wyeth, Noah, Dakota and Aidan.
Jean was born in New Haven on November 9th, 1948, and grew up in West Haven, where she enjoyed a fun-filled childhood. From swimming in the canal near Orange Avenue, to sneaking into drive-in movies, to dancing on Friday nights in NYC, Jean did it all and then some.
Jean met the love of her life at the age of thirteen and married him in 1970. In 1972, Jean and Manny moved to Madison, CT to start a family. There they built a loving household filled with friends and family. Many considered them a second set of parents as all were welcomed into their home. We will all cherish the good times at Warpas Road, swimming in the pool, at holiday parties or just spending time on the screened-in porch talking.
Jean loved to travel. Multiple trips were taken cross country, trips with her mother to England, a trip to the Atlanta Olympics as a girl scout leader and more recently, "girls" trips to Iceland and Alaska. She was an expert stained-glass worker and a talented stoneworker. Many looked forward to her annual Christmas stained-glass ornaments affixed to a plate of her famous holiday cookies!
Eventually, Jean and Manny moved to Maine to enjoy the quieter life they both craved. Jean worked hard in the kitchen at an area school, where she developed lifelong friends while Manny enjoyed his days on the farm. Jean had a soft spot for their seasonal camp at Rocky Pond and spent many days there. She also loved tending to her ever-expanding garden and working around the farm, helping Manny with countless projects.
The highlight of her year came every July, when her children would bring the grandkids to the farm. We would attend the 4th of July parade in Bangor, swim at Rocky Pond and hang out at the farm.
Over the years, Jean courageously fought several forms of cancer. She was solid as a rock, an inspiration to all, and she will be missed by many. There will be no formal services, per her wishes. She simply said, "When you think of me smile, I will be smiling back".