Agnes (Lopes) Silvia, age 101 of Brockton, wife of the late Anthony L. Silvia, transitioned into the heavenly skies on Friday May 20, 2016 after a brief illness.
Agnes was born in Onset a daughter of the late Jesse and Constance (Barros) Lopes and had lived in Brockton for over 50 years. Both of Agnes’s parents migrated to Onset, MA from the Cape Verdean Islands of Brava and Fogo.
Agnes grew up in Onset and attended Ethel E. Hammond School to grade 8. As a young girl she and her family worked in the cranberry bogs picking cranberries and they also picked strawberries. Agnes married Anthony Silvia November 18, 1935. They enjoyed 66 years together before Tony’s death in 2001.
Over the years Agnes performed many jobs she was housekeeper, nanny, a cook but is best known as a seamstress. Agnes made clothes for her children and family, recital costumes, and made matching ensembles for a band that oldest son was a part of called Mystic Chain. She and her husband also owned the Blue Flame Club in Onset where Agnes sometimes cooked. Agnes retired at age 65.
Agnes and her family moved to Brockton in the 1970’s. Agnes and her husband Anthony opened their home to many people who would drop in for a visit and many even stayed awhile. Agnes was known for making the best lunches with big sandwiches. And there was always a home cooked dinner. Agnes’ favorite times were spent with family and friends serving them a meal or “snacks”
Agnes liked many things, but most especially sewing. She could turn any pattern or creative thoughts into a fashion statement. She also enjoyed dancing, cooking, socializing, entertaining, card games, social clubs, bingo, traveling in Southeastern area of the country, attended dances, picnics, and loved the beach. The family often visited (with their following of friends) Carson beach, Magazine beach, D.W fields park, Houghton’s Pond, and Onset beach. She and her family went to the Cape every weekend from May to September.
Agnes will be remembered for making everyone laugh with her quick wit, jokes, and unique nick names if you were lucky enough to be a part of that circle.
Agnes is survived by her four children Beverly Browne and her husband Eric of Bridgewater, Joan Perkins and her husband Donnie of Columbus, Ohio; Anthony Silvia, Jr. and his wife Doreen of Middleboro and Jeffrey Silvia of New Bedford. She was a proud Nana a/k/a “Inspector Gadget” of 7 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 14 great great grandchildren. Agnes was the sister of the late Arthur, George and William Lopes, Adeline Gomes and Dominga Hill. She also leaves a host of nieces and nephews.
Agnes’ favorite color was pink and her family invites all family and friends to wear this color to celebrate her life.
Visiting hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont St. (rte. 123) Brockton on Tuesday 3-7pm. The procession will gather at the funeral home on Wednesday at 8 am for a Funeral Mass in St. Edith Stein Church at 9am. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donation in Agnes’ name may be made to the Patients’ Activity fund at St. Joseph Manor, 215 Thatcher St., Brockton, MA 02302.