Paula Silva

June 18, 1946- January 3, 2025

Paula Silva of Phoenix passed away peacefully on January 3rd, 2025, in the comfort of her home surrounded by family. She lived a beautiful 78yrs and was a blessing to all who knew her. Paula was born on June 18th, 1946, in San Elizario, Texas, the daughter of Genaro Salas and Maria Fernandez. After her birth she was raised in Jaurez, Mexico for a period of time before laying roots in Glendale, AZ with her family. She was one of eight children raised by her mother Maria.

She is preceded in death by both of her parents, one brother Gabriel, and three sisters Esperanza, Carmen and Maria Elena. During her formative years she attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and Glendale High School. The child of migrant farmer workers, she and her siblings worked as pickers harvesting crops such as grapes, lettuce and cotton in California and various other Southwestern states. In 1966 she met Guadalupe Silva who she fell in love with and began her family in west Phoenix. She was the proud mother of four boys. Ruben, David, Marco and Albert Silva. Through her children she had been blessed with thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who were her greatest joy during the later part of her life.

Paula began a long and successful career at Revlon, a beauty and cosmetics company in Phoenix on May 23rd of 1974. It was during her time at Revlon that she worked tirelessly each day to provide for her son’s daily needs. She met many lifelong friends at Revlon who brought her much happiness and support. One of her greatest accomplishments was sacrificing for sixteen straight years to send her boys to Saint Mary’s High School on a laborer’s wage to ensure their opportunity at a solid education. With the help of a small side business selling burritos and tamales daily to her coworkers she was able to finance that endeavor. Paula’s unselfish, sacrificing and humble nature was a reflection of the love she had for her entire family. She leaned on one her life’s mottos often “One day at a time” when faced with challenges or setbacks in her life. This remained true during her battle with kidney disease. She remained courageous and leaned on her Faith the whole way. After 32 years of service at Revlon she retired to enjoy her life as Nana Paula. She loved cooking for friends and family, reading her Bible, watching her telenovelas, catching up with her siblings, attending Saturday service at Iglesia Adventista Del Septimo Dia Shalom, watching her beloved Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns, and just being present for anyone that needed her.

Her love, spirit and hardworking values that guided her family will be sorely missed. The example she set is a blueprint of how to live a life that is pleasing to God our creator. Paula has given everyone the knowledge and tools to continue family traditions but most importantly how to love each other unconditionally. Familia y Amigos ,sigue adelante, un dia a la vez.

Paula is survived by her siblings Juana Monsisvais, Aurelia Ramirez, Richard Salas, and her children Ruben (MaryJane), David (Rhonda), Marco and Albert (Monique). As well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and their families.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Paula's name to Hospice of the Valley, or the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona. https://azkidney.org/