Silva Piva Morris

George and Silva Morris had four children, Nicolina Morris Cardwell, Thomas Morris, Peter Morris, and Catherine (Tina) Morris, and two brothers-in-law, Paul Morris and Hugh Aaron Church.

Five Grandchildren: Georgia married to Michael Sanders, Samantha married to Michael Kilgore, John Cardwell married to Rebecca, Katie Morris, and Erin Morris.

Seven Great Grandchildren: John and Patrick Sanders, Jude, Nicolina, and Sid Kilgore, Van and Patrick Cardwell.

Silva was born in Northern Italy’s beautiful Friuli Venezia region. There she was loved and cherished. She studied in Udine and grew academically, specializing in education and languages. In Italy she taught, modeled, and enjoyed playing the accordion. She also enjoyed accompanying her uncle Tinone, who owned a furniture factory, to Venice for business lunches. However, her favorite job was to count out payroll for her uncle's furniture factory. (She always said that if she made it to heaven she would be in a room counting money). Like all her generation she endured the pains of war, living with the bombings and loss of friends.

Shortly after the war, American Armed Forces took over her grandparents' barn for their headquarters. Her Grandmother instructed her to stay away from the Americans but on one fateful day, she went outside and there was a good-looking American Master Sergeant, George Morris. Her family promised that Master Sergeant a home, job, etc. just about anything if he would stay in Italy. However, after four long years of war, he was anxious to return home to his family.

Silva left her home, family and country for that Master Sergeant and came to America. Her first stop was in New York, where she met her first American relative, Aunt Myrtle. They hit it off fabulously and she loved New York. Then on to Kansas City. Her early days in America were a difficult time as she did not know the English language. Her mother-in-law, a teacher, helped her to perfect the English language but also introduced her to the customs and cuisine of her new country. Her husband did not know any other Italians, housing was nonexistent, and it took some time before he could find a place to live. He found it in the Kansas City River Market area where she soon cultivated a wonderful group of friends. The "Italian War Brides” bonded through their love of their new country while missing their families. They came from all regions of Italy and shared their unique customs, foods, and experiences. There was also an established group of Italians in Kansas City who befriended her and helped her along the way.

One of her first jobs in America was at the Don Bosco Center where she taught Italian immigrants Italian grammar and then she taught them English. Later she would teach the Italian language at Avila University and at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary grade school. She also tutored Italian to opera singers, a Judge and others, including her oldest granddaughter. She worked a variety of jobs and retired at AT&T. But no matter what she was doing she did it with the utmost care, love and understanding.

Her husband George built her a house in Independence Missouri, away from her friends but it was a new beginning for them. They met Father Wallace and they worshiped and educated their four children at Nativity. It was not long before George Morris became a Catholic through the influence of Father O’Connor and with the friendship of Monsignor Bauer.

She loved learning about American sports and watching her children grow. There was always classical music playing in the house and she would sing with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Perry Como or just anything Italian. She was a silent example of character, never preaching.

The best times were the holidays as they were always spent in the Morris house. At Christmas we always waited for Aunt Fila’s Christmas package from Italy. No one was allowed to open the box until everyone was in attendance.

The family would begin Christmas Eve with a trip to the market for everything Italian. Every holiday had a Silva dinner appropriate for that holiday: lasagna, artichoke, asparagus, cheese rice casserole, Easter bread, and her outstanding deserts. All holidays were about family, food, fun and love. They had many visitors, and some stayed for an extended period of time but, they were welcomed and became part of the family. Especially Uncle Hugh Arron when he returned from Vietnam. Mom always held a special place in her heart for Hugh.

She helped her children through wonderful and difficult times. She always said she had four children with four distinct personalities, and she felt the same way about her grandchildren.

She would listen to stories about her grandchildren's latest escapades always advising to focus on the positive.

For her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and all who came to know this beauty, whose intellect and compassion came with understanding and appreciation, she would forever be loved and treasured. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were the fortunate ones.

Even during the final stages of her life, as her memory faded, her character and graciousness remained. She always thanked the nurses and staff at Truman Medical Center, and they adored her for it.

Funeral services for Silva will be held on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, 10017 E. 36th Terr., Independence, MO 64052. Visitation starting at 10am with Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11am. A committal service will follow mass at 12:30pm at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64138.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McGilleySheil.com for the Morris family.