Maria Celina (de Melo Mendonca) Silva, 80 of Dunstable, passed away after a brief illness on Monday, July 5, 2021 with her son Joseph, and his girlfriend Lisa by her side at their home in Hampton Beach, NH. She was the widow of the late Jose P. ‘Camacho’ Silva with whom she shared 55 years of marriage before he passed away on April 11, 2020
She was born on May 29, 1941 in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal, and was one of 4 daughters of the late Jose dos Santos Mendonca and the late Zulmira Agusta (de Melo) Mendonca. She was pre deceased by her husband, Jose P. DaSilva of Dunstable, her sister, Doralice Santos.. and her first born Ouriolando Melo Silva.
She is survived by her son, Joseph Silva and his longtime girlfriend, Lisa Robinson of Dunstable; her three grandchildren, Kristen Silva, Jonathan Silva and Victoria Silva. and their children, along with her two step grandchildren, Kimberly Aponte and her Fiancé Felix Mejia of Nashua, NH, and Corinna Surprenant, of Dunstable, MA., and their children. She is also survived by her loving siblings, Maria Picanso and her husband, Alex of Tewksbury, Iria Silva and her husband, Manuel of Tewksbury, and Saleotino Santos and his wife, Jean of Hudson, NH; her sister in law, Flostina Silva of Graciosa; her great grandchildren, Cameron Silva and Elaney Aponte, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and their family .
While living in Graciosa, she attended the local schools, worked on the family farm and enjoyed embroidery. She and her family came to the United States in 1974. She worked in the local shoe shops and garment manufacturing departments. She also held a position at Wang aside her husband and other family members. She retired from the Heritage Nursing Home in Lowell after 12 wonderful years of giving her selfless and unconditional love to all.
The Back Central Street Portuguese community was home until 1977. At such time she and her family purchased a 2 family on Concord street, calling that "home" until 2016, when it was time for their next and final "home". To settle comfortably in life with Joseph, her only living son, at his "Camacho" farm in Dunstable.
She and her husband truly found peace and joy with all the farm had to offer. From its livestock grazing the fields, lambs needing sheering, chickens that no-one could prepare better for cooking than she could, and delicious stews made with rabbits caught bare handedly. Food, Family and Friends were abundant always at the farm.
Maria was a communicant of St. Anthony Church and a member of the Holy Ghost Society. She enjoyed house work, crocheting, gardening, and above all else, spending time with her family, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family/friends.
On Sunday, July 11, 2021, all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 2-6 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816. Her funeral will begin on Monday, July 12, at the funeral home at 9 a.m. followed by her funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell. Burial will take place at St. Patrick Cemetery.