Silvia Da Silva

Sílvia Neto Tavares Jorge da Silva, Teacher 

Sílvia N. Da Silva, 88, of Brooks Farm Drive, passed away on November 14, 2023. She was the wife of the late Dr. Manuel L. Da Silva. 

Born in Santana de Cambas, County of Mértola, Alentejo, Portugal, she was the daughter of the late Manuel Tavares Jorge and Custodia do Espírito Santo, both elementary school teachers.  

Mrs. Da Silva attended elementary and high school, followed by the College of Teachers in the city of Faro, graduating as an elementary school teacher. She taught elementary school in Relíquias, County of Odemira, District of Beja; at the elementary school of Santa Marinha de Tropeça, at Mensores, County of Arouca; and in Dornelas, County of Sever do Vouga, District of Aveiro.  

On September 17, 1960, she married Dr. Manuel Luciano da Silva, and in the following year emigrated to the United States of America, living first in Boston, Massachusetts and then in Bristol, Rhode Island. She is the mother of two sons, Manuel (Kelly) Da Silva and Jose (Christine) Da Silva; and grandmother to Victoria Da Silva, Alexandra, Da Silva, James Da Silva, and Katelyn Da Silva. 

When both of her sons were attending middle school, she decided to attend Rhode Island College, graduating with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Secondary Education with a major in Portuguese. She continued her post graduate studies at Brown University in Providence, RI, obtaining her master's degree in Brazilian Studies. She also taught Portuguese at Rhode Island College.  

Mrs. Da Silva accompanied her husband, with much enthusiasm, in historical, cultural, and social activities, and was the co-founder of several Portuguese American organizations. She was secretary and founder of the Friends of the Dighton Rock Museum, and of the Academy of Codfish of New England. She was the co-author of her husband’s books and a member of the American Association of Speakers of Spanish and Portuguese for several years. 

Friends and family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, December 2nd, 11 AM at St. Elizabeth's Church, 577 Wood Street. 

Memorial donations may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association of Rhode Island, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906.  

Arrangements are with the George C. Lima Funeral Home. 

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