Silvia Ladha

Silvia Ladha passed away in her home, June 26, 2021, with her daughters by her side. Born in Vienna, Austria, Silvia came to the US in 1973, at age 26, with the intention of going back home after one year. But fate intervened, and she lived the rest of her life in this country (though she never gave up her Austrian citizenship – you can take the woman out of Vienna, but you can’t take Vienna out of the woman!).

Hers was not a quiet life. She was born into a tumultuous and unconventional family in post-war Vienna. Raised primarily by her paternal grandmother, who loved her dearly, Silvia came of age and into her own with an active imagination (which often got her into trouble with the nuns at her Catholic school). The pulse and spirit of Vienna was a part of her. She cultivated friendship, family, and love, before setting off to America, and everywhere she went, for the rest of her life, she carried her city with her.

Landing in Michigan, the adventure continued and she found herself engaged to a young Indian man one week after meeting him. Her marriage brought her to Ft. Worth, Texas in 1978, where the heat and Billy Bob’s grocery store were a far cry from the city she grew up in.

Twelve years later, life found her in Pittsburgh, PA, which she often referred to as her second home. While her early years in Pittsburgh were some of the hardest of her life, she chose a new path and found a community that helped transform that time into one of her happiest and most cherished chapters. She formed once in a lifetime friendships that she carried the rest of her life, opened her heart and her home to those she loved, gave generously, received humbly, laughed mightily, and always fed deliciously (carrying recipes with her from her hometown, including her renowned Linzertorte).

In 2006 she moved back to Texas, and soon after became a grandmother, a role that was one of her greatest joys. Starting a new life in Austin, Silvia once again found community and new friendships. She was committed to her Kundalini yoga practice and built a strong work-family over the course of 13 years. She cherished spending time with her friends and family, immediate and extended, sharing and passing on traditions, stories, and recipes.

Silvia made the ordinary moments extraordinary. Her attention to even the smallest details left people feeling important and cared for. People often say they remember the moment they met her, because the connection was immediate. Everywhere she went she built a home, while always keeping Vienna close to her heart. She nurtured and maintained relationships that spanned decades, crossed oceans, defied convention. Silvia loved dearly, loved sweetly, loved completely.

Silvia is survived by her daughters Sonia Ladha (husband Steven Grimaldi, granddaughters Bee and Ella), and Tanya Ladha.

In lieu of flowers please donate to ACLU of Texas, https://www.aclutx.org/.