Mary Lou "Benna" Silva-Brown, 74, of New Bedford died Saturday, January 19, 2008 at The Oaks Nursing Center after a short illness. She was the wife of the late James Brown and former wife of the late Peter Silva.
Mary Lou was born on April 8, 1933 in Providence, RI to the late Joseph Dos Reis and the late Patricia "Nininha" Duarte. She was raised in Providence and Fall River, residing in Fall River until 1997 when she moved to New Bedford.
She worked at Bristol Knitting Mills, Arkwright Mills, and was a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Catholic Memorial Home in Fall River until her retirement.
Mary Lou is survived by three sons, Peter N. Silva and wife Abra of Malden, Paul Silva and companion Fran and John Silva and companion Susan, all of Fall River; two sisters, Celeste Gonsalves and husband Rick of New Bedford, and Lucia Bulgar and husband Steve of Acushnet; five grandchildren, Kimberly A. Silva and Nicholas Silva, both of New Bedford, Cory Silva, Christina Silva Drory, and Aaron Silva, all of Fall River; three great-grandchildren, Trevor Benoit and Chace Pires, both of Fall River and Jenna Nicole Silva of New Bedford; her aunt, Mary Almeida of Providence; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Louis and Joseph Dos Reis.
Her Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 6 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Visiting hours Tuesday 3-6 PM prior to the service. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.