Maria da Conceicao Silva

Maria da Conceicao (Connie) Silva age 89 of Fall River passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus, surrounded by family and friends, on April 3, 2018. Ourfamily would like extend a gracious thank you to the talented staff at South Pointe Rehabilitation and Nursing and also to the wonderful staff of St. Anne’s hospital for the tender love and care given to her. Connie was born Maria da Conceicao Arruda. Shewas the widow of Nicolau (Nick) Ventura Sousa Silva and was a longtimeresident of Fall River. She was born in Lomba da Fazenda, Nordeste, St Michael Azores, Portugal on 9 December 1928. She was the last surviving child of 12 children of the late Jose Cabral Arruda and Ludovina da Conceicao Brandao. She was a faithful member of Our Lady of Angels and Good Shepherd parishes. She was employed with Needlecraft and Samesta during the 1960’s and 1970’s and also worked for a number of years at TA restaurant as an assistant chef. After her retirement she enjoyed working in her flower and vegetable gardens and her beautiful grape vineyards which she tended to in her yard. She could often be seen in the very early morning hours working on her garden. Everyonewho knew Connie knew she was the family matriarch, a true American patriot and also a lady of grace and warmth who immediately liked everyone she came in contact with. She cared deeply for all of her friends and family and was known as a woman of impeccable integrity who possessed a stellar moral compass and nurturing heart. Survivors include 4 sons and a daughter, and their spouses, Senior Master Sergeant Herbert Silva, (United States Air ForceRetired) of Midlothian Virginia and his wife Judy, Louis Silva of Warwick Rhode Islandand Bonita Springs Florida and his wife Joya, John (aka Fletcher) Silva of Fall River and his wife Kim, Fernanda Da Ponte and her husband Joao of Fall River, and Edward Silva and his wife Jennifer of Fall River. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nephews and nieces as well as twelve grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. The Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be held on Friday April 6 at 9 a.m. from the Oliveira Funeral Funeral Home, 2064 South Main St. Fall River, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Good Shepherd Parish in Fall River. Interment will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River. Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 PM on Thursday 5 April. Flowers are acceptable or memorial donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Center at Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston MA 02115.