Alberta Mae "Duchess" Silva

Alberta Mae "Duchess" Silva was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Alberta will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Alberta was born on July 11, 1949 at Wahiawa General Hospital in Wahiawa, Hawaii. She was the daughter of Albert and Sara Villafania. Alberta grew up in Hawaii.

Alberta was raised with twelve siblings. She had two older sisters, Janice and Fran, an older brother, David, and eight younger brothers, Alvin, Norman, Lawrence, Michael, John, Eugene, Wallace and Gary. Alberta was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

A typical teenager, Alberta had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Leilehua High School in 1968. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Alberta enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. Later in life, she became friends with Delphine Farais, Patty Lacerdo, and Gloria Ungos.

Alberta exchanged wedding vows with Harry Rapoza Silva Jr. at Lady of Sorrows Church in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Empathic and loyal, Alberta was committed to making her new family happy.

Alberta worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Alberta was blessed with four children, two sons, Harry and Eric, and two daughter, Delphine and Jamie. Another blessing for Alberta was the gift of twelve grandchildren, Harry R. Silva IV, Keoni Bacelis, Kimo Silva, Kawika Silva, Kanani Silva, Jalyn Silva, Brielle Silva, Braden Silva, Kadence Silva, Christopher Silva, Elise Silva, and Emily Magdalena Silva.

Fortunately, Alberta enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Alberta worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. She was employed for 6 years at Regis. Alberta always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Alberta enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were her grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with her grandkids. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Alberta found pleasure in sports. Alberta was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she had the chance to do so. Tops on her list were football, and her favorite team was the 49er's.

Alberta was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Two of her favorites was Trouble 1, a Maltese, and Trouble 2, a Maltese mix.

Alberta passed away on June 21, 2012 at Thousand Trails Campground in Morgan Hill, California. She passed away peacefully in her sleep due to a heart attack. She is survived by her husband Harry R. Silva Jr.; her children Harry R. Silva III, Eric J. Silva, Delphine Galvez, and Jamie Silva; her son-in-law Vic Galvez; her sisters Janice Halmas and Fran Price; her brother-in-laws Richard Halmas and Nice Price; her brothers David Villafania, Alvin Villafania, Michael Villafania, John Villafania, Eugene Villafania, and Wallace Villafania; her sister-in-laws Julie Villafania, Carol Villafania, and Lynn Villafania; her twelve grandchildren; and her nieces and nephews. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in the Chapel of the Oaks in San Jose, California.

Simply stated, Alberta was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Alberta leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Alberta Mae "Duchess" Silva.