Edith T. Grace Silva

Edith T. (Grace) Silva, of Fairhaven, passed away at the age of 67 on November 20, 2011 at home surrounded by family and friends, after a spirited and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was the wife of the late Nelson P. Silva. Born in No. Attleboro, MA, she lived most of her life in Fairhaven. Edith was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Amelia (Botelho) Grace.

She was a graduate of Fairhaven High School, class of 1962 and U-Mass Dartmouth, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in accounting. Edith worked at Hemingway Trucking of New Bedford upon graduation from high school. Later she worked at Titleist/Footjoy for over 25 years in the accounting dept. She also worked at Luzo Food Corp. of New Bedford as the Controller, and The Domestic Bank in R.I. in accounting. She began working in the Veteran’s Office for the Town of Fairhaven several years ago. She often said it was the “job of her dreams.” She was president of the East Fairhaven Improvement Assn. for over 20 years.

Survivors include her loving companion, Robert Marks of Fairhaven; her sister and best friend, Maureen Grace and her companion, Harry Benson of Mattapoisett; brother-in-law, Robert Lawton of Fairhaven; godson, Andrew Lawton of Fairhaven; nephew, Matthew Lawton of Mattapoisett; great nephews, Nicholas O’Brien and Christopher Dudley of New Bedford; four great nieces, Kirsti, Kayli, Kari and Kaci Berche and their mother Sherry Berche of Fairhaven. Other relatives include a sister-in-law, Irene Westgate of Fairhaven; a niece Kelly Talbot; a nephew, William Westgate, Jr. and his wife Diane; 3 great nieces, Kaitlyn Talbot, Melany and Michelle Westgate all of Fairhaven and a great nephew, Tommy Azevedo and his wife Lauryn; great cousins, Chad and Amy Bourgeois and their children, Kaylyn and Lindsey; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Edith had many friends including Fran Lopes and Mary Winterbottom both of Fairhaven, who were close to her heart.

Edith was the most loving, caring and unselfish person you could ever meet. She loved people and family was very precious to her. She was always ready and willing to help who ever needed her. She was fun-loving and always had a smile of friendship. During her spirited and courageous battle with cancer, she made many friends at Dana-Farber. The nurses and doctors loved her spirit and encouraging words to other patients. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. (My sister, Edith, is my Hero and she is the Wind Beneath My Wings.)

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 9am from the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Fairlawn, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven followed by a funeral mass at 10am in St. Joseph’s Church, 74 Spring St., Fairhaven. Visiting hours Tuesday 4-7pm. Entombment in Acushnet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Veteran’s Transition House, 20 Willis St., New Bedford, MA 02740 or any one of your favorite charities. For online tributes and directions: www.waring-sullivan.com