Leonor Parra Silva

Leonor Parra Silva, born November 23, 1939 in Bucaramanga, Columbia, went to her eternal rest on Saturday February 15, 2014 at the age of 74. She married Hugo G. Silva on March 11, 1967 in Los Angeles where they lived before moving to Miami and eventually settling in Austin in 1984.

Leonor was passionate about her Roman Catholic faith and particularly about Catholic education where she made a big impact in the lives of her family, friends and even strangers. She was an active member of the Legion of Mary in Miami, Mexico, Colombia, Peru and St. Theresa's in Austin, and was instrumental in establishing the organization in several other parishes in the Austin Diocese. She was also an active cooperator of Opus Dei for over 25 years.

The Eucharist was the center of Leonor's life. She attended daily mass and was devoted to Adoration, the Rosary and Confession. Her joy in sharing God's love and mercy was an inspiration to all she touched. Everyone she met was strengthened and encouraged by her unconditional love, ceaseless prayers and generous hugs.

Leonor is survived by her husband Hugo; three children: Claudia Martin-de-Nicolas, Hugo J. Silva of Austin, and Camilo and wife Nathalie Silva of Dallas; five grandchildren: Andres, Alejandro and Paulina Martin-de-Nicolas and Eduardo and Alexia Silva; and three siblings: Enrique Parra, Marta Mendoza, and Mauricio Parra.

She was preceded in death by her sister Estella Parra and her brother, Reverend Bernardo Parra.

A rosary will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 4311 Small Drive, Austin, TX at 6PM on Friday February 21, 2014. A mass will be held at the same church on Saturday February 22, 2014 at 10AM with a reception immediately following at the same location. Interment to take place after the reception at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S IH 35, Austin, TX starting at 1:15PM.

Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to St. Michael's Catholic Academy (www.smca.com) scholarship fund specifically directed for students who are economically disadvantaged.