Joan C. Silva

Silva, Joan C. ALBANY Joan C. Silva of the Avila Retirement Community, formerly of Bacon Lane in Loudonville, died suddenly at home on Friday, August 15, 2008. Born in New York City in 1933, raised and schooled on Long Island and graduated from NYSCT in 1955, Joan earned an MLS from SUNYA in 1974. She worked for many years at the Colonie Town Library where she became the head of reference. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Fred Silva with whom she raised four children, David (Calif.), Katherine (R.I.), Stephen (Iowa) and Elizabeth (Washington, DC); and eight grandchildren. She was the sister of Theodora Altreuter of N.C., Chet Carlin of N.Y. and the late John Carlin of Fla. In addition to her loving involvement with her family and her professional commitments, Joan participated actively in parish life at St. Pius X in Loudonville over several decades: liturgy, parish council, lectoring and RCIA. Joan and several parishioners started the monthly food pantry collection which is an on-going activity. Joan enjoyed good food, jokes, political discussion, reading, movies, theater and travel. She will be missed. For six years, Joan cour-ageously confronted a serious neurological impairment diagnosed as White Matter Disease with good humor and acceptance. The family acknowledges the care of Drs. Catherine North and David Hart provided Joan through her illness. The kindness of the NurseCore staff was a great support in recent months. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Pius X on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. followed by a private burial service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Regional Food Bank at 955 Albany-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.