Mary Lou Silvia, 95, formerly of Sixteenth Street, widow of Frank B. Silvia, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2020 at the Catholic Memorial Home after an extended illness. Born in Fall River, she was a daughter of the late Alberto Mendes and the late Clara (Taveira) Mendes. A lifelong resident of Fall River, she had also enjoyed many years of summering, especially with her husband (until his untimely passing), at their cottage on Common Fence Point in Portsmouth, RI.

An interpreter for a substantial number of years with the Bi-Lingual Department of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, she was able to make a positive difference assisting immigrants to more easily navigate their assimilation into our land of opportunity. As a devout Catholic becoming widowed at an early age, she dedicated considerable time volunteering as a catechism teacher at St. Anthony of Padua Church – and later served as its parish bookkeeper for many years. She will be missed for her genuine caring spirit, the sparkle in her eye, and a feisty sense of humor (especially as she aged).

Sister of the late Fernanda Mello, Laura Noverca, Natalie Platt, Albert & Joseph Mendes, she leaves many nieces (including her caregiver for the past few years, Bettylou Mello of Asheville, NC) and nephews, and grandnieces/nephews.

Due to the COVID pandemic, Mary Lou was laid to rest on Monday, March 30th, with a private committal service at St. Patrick Cemetery. When the current crisis allows, her family is planning to celebrate her life with a Memorial Funeral Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church, which will be announced here.

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. But, because of this pandemic, all are urged to express sympathy online or by mail.

To ensure that said condolences reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website ( www.silvafaria.com ) and not through a third party. Thank you!