Aldina DeLourdes (De Melo) Silva, 78 of Lowell, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at Lowell General Hospital with her family by her side. She was the widow of the late Alberto Silva with whom she shared 56 years of marriage before he passed away in 2022.
She was born on August 17, 1944 in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal and was one of ten children of the late Aguinaldo C. De Melo and the late Noelia C. Picanço. She was raised in Graciosa, where she attended the area schools.
In 1979, Aldina relocated to the United States, settling in Lowell. She was a communicant of St. Anthony Church and was a member of the Holy Ghost Society, where she enjoyed attending feasts, especially the Carnaval watching the dances. She enjoyed spending time crocheting, gardening and loved to sing and dance. Above all else, Aldina cherished time spent with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren.
She worked at a shoe factory in Lowell for a short time before devoting her time to her family and helping to raise countless children in the community. She will be remembered for being a strong women who did everything. She dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren. Always making sure they were well taken care of and protected. She had the biggest heart, and always shared her love and humor with everyone.
Aldina is survived by her son, Carlos Silva and his partner, Jessica A. Brito of Lowell; her daughter, Debbie Silva and her partner, John DaSilva of Lowell; her grandchildren, Jaycee DaSilva of Haverhill, Blaze Silva, Aaliyah DaSilva and Liliana DaSilva all of Lowell.
She is also survived by her siblings Maria Celeste Melo, Maria De Fatima Picanço, Elvino Picanço, Antonio Picanço, Jose Joao Picanço, Helio Picanço and Liduina Picanço and many nephews and nieces and wonderful friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was welcomed into heaven by her children, the late Albino Silva and the late Maria Silva. Her brothers Manuel Dionisio Picanco de Melo and Roberto Manuel Picanco de Melo.
Flowers are welcomed or memorial donations may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association at: ALZ Donation Link or by mail: 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
On Thursday, April 13, 2023 all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 9-11 a.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816.
Her funeral mass will be offered at 12 noon at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell followed by procession to St. Patrick Cemetery for burial.