Sheila Hydes Silvest

Sheila Hydes Silvest, age 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on May 6, 2026. Born on October 17, 1937, in Grand Cayman, Sheila carried the warmth, beauty, and spirit of the islands with her throughout her life.

Sheila dedicated more than 30 years of service to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue before retiring, a career marked by commitment, strength, and compassion for others. While she was

proud of her professional accomplishments, her greatest joy in life was always her family. She often said her proudest achievement was raising her three sons and watching her family continue to grow with six granddaughters, three great-granddaughters, and one great-grandson.

Sheila had a love for life’s simple pleasures and treasured every moment spent with those she loved. She enjoyed reading, especially keeping up with her favorite magazines, like People

magazine. She loved scrapbooking, grandmothering, and creating memories with her family.

Sheila also had a lifelong love for the beach, always preferring tropical waters that reminded her of her beloved Cayman Islands, which she enjoyed returning to visit through the years.

Sheila loved the Olympic Games and never missed the figure skating events. Her family fondly remembers how she humorously “ranked” her three sons as Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalists

in her own personal Olympics. She was a constant source of encouragement and support, faithfully driving her sons to practices and later cheering on her grandchildren at games, performances, and dance recitals. If there was an event involving her family, Sheila did everything she could to be there.

In her later years, Sheila and her late husband, Bob, shared a love of travel and cruising together. Among her favorite adventures was a memorable trip to Alaska that brought her great joy.

Sheila was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Silvest; her parents, Roy and Florence Hydes; her brother, Buddy Hydes (Karen); and her brother-in-law, James Myers.

She is lovingly survived by her sons, Bobby Silvest and his wife, Lynnette, Steve Silvest and his wife, Jamie, and Scott Silvest and his wife, Melissa; her sisters, Florence Myers and Shirley Lawrence (Larry); her six grandchildren, Brooke (Paul), Madison (Matt), Gianna, Sienna, Jada and Suri; four great-grandchildren, Oakley, Ella, Avery and Cade ; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Sheila will be remembered for her loving heart, unwavering devotion to her family, sense of humor, and the warmth she brought into every room. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished so deeply and the countless memories they will hold close forever.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Terrace Oaks Chapel, 12690 N 56th St, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, US, on May 22, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:30 am, followed by a Memorial Service at the same location on May 22, 2026, at 10:30 am.

After the Memorial Service, Sheila’s Celebration of Life will continue for all who care to attend. Final details will be given at the service.