NORTH PROVIDENCE — Franciscan Missionary of Mary Sister Maria Silva, 84, died April 30 at Cherry Hill Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Johnston.
She was the daughter of the late Antonio and Maria (Carvalho) Silva. Sister Silva entered the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary on September 9, 1946 in North Providence, and pronounced her final vows on September 17, 1954.
For many years, Sister Silva traveled throughout the United States selling handiwork made in the missions.
She was later sent in mission to Divine Providence Shelter in Manhattan, NY where she used her seamstress skills and served as a “group mother” in the shelter. Sister Silva also ministered as a group mother at McMahon Shelter in Harlem, NY and at Cardinal Hayes Home for Children in Millbrook, NY. Sister Silva subsequently served as sacristan and social activities coordinator for 11 years at the Hotel Alverne, a residence for the elderly located in St. Louis, Mo.
After studying nutrition and dietetics, Sister Silva became a food supervisor at St Francis Hospital, Roslyn, NY where she ministered for six years. She later served as a homemaker in Tiverton and Grace Haven Retreat and Vacation House, where she also served as coordinator welcoming sisters visiting for retreats or vacations.
As a member of Emmaus Community in North Providence, she continued her ministry as a health aide home helper for the United Way. Sister Silva was missioned to St. Michael’s Community in North Providence where she served as a nurse’s aide in the FMM nursing facility. In 1993 she was missioned to Ein Karim Community where her ministry was to provide pastoral care to the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in St. Antoine’s Residence. She later became a member of the Trinity Community in North Providence.
She is survived by her sister, Olivia Dion of Fall River, Mass.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 6 in Holy Family Chapel. Burial was in the Franciscan Sisters Cemetery, Fruit Hill.
