Linda Silvestri Fisher

Linda Fisher, born 1932 in Solvay, NY as Yolanda Marie Silvestri, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025 at the age of 93. A first-generation American, born to proud Italian immigrants, Linda was the fourth of ten children. Linda's journey reflected the spirit of her Italian heritage and the love she poured into her family. Her life was a testament to grit and grace, marked by profound challenges and abundant blessings. Her toughness, strength, and unwavering love for her family were the cornerstone of her life, creating memories that will endure for generations.

Linda was raised in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY and graduated from Hastings High, where she met her future husband, John H. "Jack" Fisher. Together, they raised four children, instilling love, and a deep sense of community. Linda was a force of energy, organizing "teas" for neighborhood mothers, Varsity Football dinners, sewing costumes for school plays, crafting Hastings Twirlers outfits, and chaperoning retreats for the Hastings Catholic Youth Group. Friends and family remember the epic retreats to their Candlewood Lake house where Linda would be the master chef and welcoming hostess.

In 1965 she broke barriers as the first woman elected as a Party District Leader. Local newspaper headlines read “Housewife Beats Lawyer.” Linda proudly served the NY Republican Party for a decade.

Professionally, Linda was both a housewife and business woman. She was employed in the family businesses, Villard Contracting, Inc. and Jufer Hardware, both long-time fixtures in the Westchester County community, and later worked in real estate and local service businesses.

When Jack suffered from heart disease, Linda became the family's rock, guiding them through his 11-year illness until his passing in 1979. With unwavering strength and love, she dedicated herself to her children, 14 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren, leaving a legacy of resilience and devotion.

Linda found love again, marrying Patrick S. Whalen in 1982 and Robert Z. Kavanagh in 2007; both pre-deceased, they were devoted partners and embraced the Fisher family.

In 1995, Linda moved to Virginia, where she lived for the past 30 years. She adapted beautifully to southern living. With a keen eye for style, Linda frequented thrift shops, estate sales, and antique stores across Virginia, purchasing historical pieces, refinishing furniture, framing extraordinary wall art, and building collections of silver, thimbles, and treasures. Her homes were elegant and beautifully decorated, reflecting her sophisticated taste.

Linda had many hobbies that brought her joy. She loved to dance, cook, and entertain. Board games like Rummikub and cards were her passion; at 93, she still enjoyed trips to the MGM casino, and playing bingo.

Linda's greatest legacy was her love for family, though often masked by her toughness and classic Italian fire. As the fitting family matriarch, she was always available to listen and provide advice, first to her children and then to her grandchildren. Linda is survived by her four children: John H. Fisher Jr. (Sue) of Danbury, CT, Pamela Fisher Ehrmann (Mark Warner, (Greg (deceased)) of Stafford, VA, Diane Fisher Rakoff (Jamie) of Scarsdale, NY, and Michael S. Fisher of White Plains, NY. She was blessed with 14 grandchildren: Chris, Matt, Katheryne, Melissa, Jon, Julie, Ben, Michelle, Sarah, Michael, Andy, Jacqueline, James, and Thomas. Her 19 great-grandchildren include Sophie, Jackson, Camden, Jon, Geoffrey, Cameron, Bella, Hunter, Bryson, Scott, Teddy, Paige, Scarlett, Clara, Emily, Peter, Jane, Luca and Leo. Linda is survived by her sisters, Carol Hrivnak, Virginia Kazura, Mary Ivanow, Jean Caviolo and in-laws, Bernice Silvestri, Cathy Silvestri. Linda was predeceased by her parents, Sophie and Anthony Silvestri, and 5 siblings, Frank, John, George and Louise Silvestri, and Ann Capuano.

Linda will be deeply missed but forever cherished. A funeral mass will be held at 4:15PM on Friday September 5th, at Saint William of York Catholic Church in Stafford, VA. In addition, a burial and remembrance celebration for family and friends will be planned for late September in Westchester County, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gift of Life Metro NY https://giftoflifemetrony.org/donate in memory of Linda S. Fisher.