Barbara Ann Silvestri

It is with great sorrow that the family of Barbara Ann Silvestri announces her passing on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at the age of 79 at Superior Residences of Lecanto, FL. She entered Heaven’s Gates surrounded by her loving family. Born September 27, 1938 in Enfield, Connecticut, to Edward and Doris (Cote) LaJoie. A graduate of Enfield High School and resident of Enfield for 36 years, it is there where she met and married her life-long love Joseph Silvestri. They were happily married for over 57 years. Barbara also lived in Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Illinois, and Ohio. She was a Homosassa, Florida resident for over 20 years. No matter where she lived, Barbara’s caring, joyful and loving spirit attracted people. Her smile and laugh were contagious, making it easy for her to form many everlasting friendships. Barbara was a devout Catholic and member of St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Homosassa. A true servant of Jesus, she was active in the church and community her entire life. She loved and honored the Blessed Mother, Mary. As a young lady, Barbara worked in tobacco fields and barns in Connecticut. Over the years she also worked as a secretary-receptionist; however, her most important jobs were mother and homemaker. Barbara’s most favorite vacation was when her young family went to Disney World. She also loved the trips her family took to the Rhode Island beaches. Barbara traveled to Hawaii, Italy, and the Caribbean on multiple occasions. She loved to cruise with her husband Joe and their friends of Sugarmill Woods. Barbara always enjoyed the companionship of “man’s best friend”. Sandy and Buffy, both Cocker Spaniels, were the breed of choice for Barbara as a child and for her own children. When her own kids were grown, Kristi and Nikki, both Lhasa Apsos, were her babies. Most recently, Joey, a sweet mixed breed puppy, was her confidant on daily walks to the mailbox. Barbara was an avid golfer and loved to walk, swim, bowl, and play cards. She enjoyed reading Danielle Steel novels and was frequently found with a Harlequin Romance in her hands. She was an excellent cook and loved to entertain. She maintained a quite extensive collection of cookbooks and loved to find new recipes. Barbara was also a skilled baker and loved making cookies. She was known for making elaborate “Cookie Trays” for her family and close friends, especially for weddings and birthday celebrations. It is a documented fact that she made over 100 dozen cookies to share with loved ones on any one of those special days. She taught her daughters well. They are already carrying on with this tradition. Barbara loved her pocket books and purses, of which she had a closet-full. She shared that passion with her daughters, who now maintain the collection. Barbara is survived by her husband of 57 years, Joseph Silvestri; four children, Lori Silvestri Holder of Homosassa, FL, Susan [David] Bossert of Pulaski, TN, Gina [Scot] McClure of Verona, WI and James [Robin] Silvestri of Covington, LA; thirteen loving grandchildren and two great-grandchildren with one on the way; one brother, Edward [Ginny] LaJoie, Enfield, Connecticut; one sister-in-law, Joanne O’Connell, Phoenix, MD. In addition to her parents, Edward and Doris LaJoie, she was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Booth, and a nephew, Michael LaJoie. Arrangements are under the care of Wilder Funeral Home in Homosassa. Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 8, 2018 at St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 7040 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446. Inurnment will follow at Fountains Memorial Park, Homosassa, Florida, at 11:15 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. The family would like to offer a special thank you to the staff at Superior Residences of Lecanto for loving Barbara and providing her with many “Moments of Joy” over the past two and a half years.

“Enter His gates with Thanksgiving” (Psalm 100:4)

The family invites friends to a Celebration of Life from 1:00 - 3:00 P.M. on Monday, January 8, 2018 at Southern Woods Golf Club, 1501 Corkwood Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446