Fall River – Marie Silva, age 84, passed away of a sudden illness on Saturday October 3, 2015 at Charlton Memorial Hospital. She was the loving wife of Armando Silva and the loving daughter of the late Armando Hilario and the late Mary (Silva) Hilario.
Born in New Bedford, Mrs. Silva was a lifelong resident of this area. Marie opened the first women shelter in New Bedford and was a pioneer of the Battered Women Advocate Shelter. She gave her life and soul, along with her lifelong friend, Jo Ann Costa. Together, they gave countless hours of commitment to the shelter that still stands today. She maintained her social worker’s license to date as an advocate to the elderly. Her last days were spent caring for her loving husband, Armando, who fell victim to a severe stroke and, again, through her own dedication shined as a care giver.
She is survived by her 3 children: Daniel O’Neill, Michael O’Neill and her loving daughter, Kathleen Marie O’Neill; 5 grandchildren: Michael P. Costa and his lifelong partner, Tracey, Brett D. Costa, Sr., Nicolas O’Neill, Danny O’Neill and Vanessa O’Neill; 3 great grandchildren: Jalissa Marie Costa, Brett D. Costa, Jr. and Arden O’Neill
Private arrangements placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St. in New Bedford, MA.