Obituary of Maria "Little Maria" (Ventuara) De Silva

Maria Ventuara De Silva Peabody--Maria Ventuara De Silva, affectionately known as “Little Maria”, 84, beloved wife of the late Frederick De Silva, died peacefully on Sunday May 22, 2011 at the Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester following an extended illness. Born in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal, she was the daughter of the late Manuel and Silvina Ventaura. She came to the United States in October of 1956, and lived in Peabody for the last 55 years. Mrs. De Silva worked at the former Ideal Baby Shoe, and at Parker Brothers both in Salem. Maria was very involved among the founders of the Our Lady of Fatima parish in Peabody. She was active with many events at the church, and as much as she was inspired to help, others were grateful for her help. She was a member of the Holy Ghost Society of Peabody, helped as a volunteer at the Torigian Community Life Center, and would always find ways to help other people. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph & Lisa Silva of Salem; her grandson, Jesse Silva of Salem; two sisters, Alice Silva of the Azores and Nellie Silva of Canada, and several nieces and nephews. She had many friends, and her family is especially grateful to Manuel Ortins and his family for helping in the care of Maria through her illness. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Friday, May 27, 2011 at 8 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 9 AM in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Peabody. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 5 – 8 P.M. in the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem.