GLOUCESTER: Arlene F. (Silva) Wilson, 87, died Saturday, October 11, 2014 in the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers following an extended illness.
Born in Gloucester on September 27, 1927, she was the daughter of the late John E. and Evelyn J. (Price) Silva. A lifelong resident of Gloucester, she was a graduate of Gloucester High School class of 1946.
Arlene was employed in several capacities at the New England Telephone Company for thirty-five years, first as a telephone operator, a service representative in the commercial department, a service representative instructor for the North East Division and later an assistant manager in the Beverly and Danvers commercial department. She retired as the assistant administrator in Boston in 1982.
A longtime member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, she was a former member of the Vestry, served on the endowment committee, outreach committee, taught Sunday school and was co-chair of the Altar Guild. Arlene was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. She was an active volunteer at the Open Door Food Pantry, Cape Ann Museum and twenty-five years at the Sawyer Free Library.
She is survived by her sister, Pearl C. Dorey of Beverly; sixteen nieces and nephews, Janice Lupo of Gloucester, Pamela Plummer of Kennebunk, Marcia Dorey of Beverly, Robert Dorey of Beverly, Peter Silva of Atkinson, NH, Richard Silva of Seabrook, NH, Cathy Silva of Danvers, Deborah Silva of Methuen, Dana Silva of Gloucester, Richard Flerra of Merritt Island, FL, Diana Harding of Gloucester, William Silva of Everett, Mary Silva of Seattle, WA, Jane Apparis of Pocono Lakes, PA, Christine McKeown of Pocono Lakes, PA and David Critchett of West Warwick, RI; four great-nieces, Susan Crowell, Linda Roach, Marcia Mione and Paula Mione; many great-great-nieces and nephews and three sisters-in-law, Kimie Silva of Pocono Lakes, PA, Mary Silva and Madeline “Midge” Silva both of Gloucester. She was also predeceased by her six brothers, Carlton “Brud” Silva, John E. “Jack” Silva, Jr, Richard Silva, Ralph Silva, Milton “Bud” Silva and Stanley “Tom” Silva; two sisters, Helen Flerra and Dorothy Earlywine; two nieces, Judy Hickory and Karen Silva and a great-great-nephew, Peter Osier.
Her funeral service will be held on Friday in St. John’s Episcopal Church, Middle St., Gloucester at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 48 Middle St., Gloucester, MA 01930 or to the charity of one’s choice.