Obituary of Etelvina Lima Silva

Etelvina Lima Silva, 83 of Salem, passed away Thursday at her residence, following a lengthy illness, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Joao Pedro Silva, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage and Mother of the late Maria Joao Freitas. Etelvina was born in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal on February 22, 1937, daughter of the late Manuel L. Aguiar and Ana L Aguiar. She was raised and educated there before moving to the United States in the early 1970s. In the United States, Etelvina worked and retired from Fishery Products International, where she made lifelong bonds with the people from her community. The love for her family and friends was never-ending. Always welcoming people into her home anytime she had guests she’d whip up a dinner and feed anyone. She loved to visit her family and friends in Graciosa. Etelvina and her husband loved to take their children and grandchildren to visit their family creating precious memories. Etelvina was the heart and soul of the family; always making sure that everyone had more than they needed. She was all about her grandchildren. Always saying “comer tudo tudo” (eat everything) because everyone had to be well fed, including her bird Lindo. Lindo was a recent addition to the family, they’d share soup and kisses everyday. In the past making quilts and crocheting with her late sister Maria Lourdes Silva was a cherished pastime. The connection with her Grandchildren was never ending, holding tight and not letting go. She would’ve held her grandchildrens’ hands all day if she could, and they were happy to oblige. She held her values and taught them to all her children and grandchildren. Ensuring that her family was raised to be honest, caring, and honorable. To live with God’s love was significant throughout her life and she spread that love everywhere she went. She was a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Parish and a member of Irmandade Azoreana do Divino Espirito Santo Peabody MA. She is survived by her children and their spouses, John Silva and his wife Helia, Paul J. Silva and his girlfriend Hollie Goldberg, and Maria Coolidge Silva and her boyfriend Manny Rosa and her grandchildren, RingoSousa, Kirbie Sousa, Kassy Rutter and her husband David Rutter, Patrick Sousa, Shantel Silva, Paul Silva Jr., and Nina Sousa; her great-grandchildren, Juliana Sousa Abreu and Brogin Sousa;a son-in-law, Vitor Freitas, and many Nieces and Nephews and many friends. A Visitation will be held on Monday, December 14, at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, from 4:00P.M. - 7:00P.M. All attendees are required to wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Funeral services will be held privately.