Annie Helena Silva left this world on October 23, 2017 at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital with her family at her side.
She was born in Mystic on September 5, 1921, to Thomas and Lucinda (Whitman) Whittle, the oldest of three daughters. She grew up in Mystic, attended local schools, and graduated from Fitch High School in 1939 and the Joseph Lawrence School of Nursing in 1942.
She married Theo A. Silva on May 2, 1942. They celebrated their 58th anniversary shortly before his passing in June of 2000.
At the time of her passing she was the oldest living member of the Thomas and Frederick Whittle family of Willow Spring Farm and the John Whittle family formerly of Burnett’s Corner. She grew up working in all areas of the business from planting, harvesting and selling starting out on a concrete slab in front of her grandparents’, and later parents’ farm house on Noank Ledyard Road.
She worked in her profession until the age of 70. She spent 25 years at L & M Hospital and then at the pediatric offices of Dr. Sayre, Dolan, Robinson, Andrews and Stein in both New London and Mystic.
Besides her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her two younger sisters and their husbands; Katherine Whittle Thompson (Harold) and Irene Whittle Umrysz (John) and a granddaughter Margaret (Banks) Nye.
She is survived by her four children, all of Mystic. Her daughter Constance Banks-Williams, sons Thomas (Donna), Rick (Carol) and Vin; 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Special thanks to her youngest son Vin, with whom she shared a birthday. She would not have been able to remain in her home these last few years.
At her request, there will be no services. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, she wanted Mass Cards or donations sent to Big Brother and Sisters.
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