Maria L. Silva, 93, of Fall River, widow of Jose Silva, passed away peacefully on Monday at Charlton Memorial Hospital after a short illness. Born in St. Michael, Azores, daughter of the late Manuel and Maria (Pereira) Santos. Maria was a presser in the local textile industry for many years until her retirement at age 70. After her retirement she raised many of her grandchildren, babysitting on a daily basis. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening and cooking. Maria was considered the "heart" of her close-knit family. She was the beloved mother of Eduardo P. Silva (wife-Belmira) of Somerset, Luisa Brum (late husband-Pedro), Fatima Pimental (husband-Joao) and Maria Medeiros (husband-Manuel) all of Fall River, and Diamantina Pacheco (late husband-Jose) of Ontario, Canada. She also leaves 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Maria was also the sister of the late Gilda Pereira and Eduardo Pereira. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, August 5th, in St. Anthony of Padua Church followed by her committal at St. Patrick's Cemetery.