Geraldine Silvia

Geraldine A. (Holleran) Silvia, 80, passed away on December 23, 2024. She was married to Dr. Philip T. Silvia Jr. for 56 years. Daughter of the late Gerald J. and Katherine L. Holleran, she is survived by her three children, Katherine R. Librera and her husband Thomas of Swansea, Elizabeth S. Pereira and her husband Victor of Fall River, and Philip T. Silvia III and his wife Stephanie of Westport. Her absence will be deeply felt by her five grandchildren, Jack Librera, Andrew Librera, Charlotte Silvia, Samuel Silvia, and Vivian Silvia, who affectionately referred to her as “Gram”. She was the sister of Carolyn Sullivan and her husband Charles of Wyomissing, PA and Tiverton, RI, and Kathleen Arruda and her husband Michael, of Bel Air, MD. She will be missed by her many, loving brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Susan S. Woltman and her husband Lee of Westport, MA; Carol Silvia of Fairhaven, Minty S. Farrissey and her husband, Atty. John C. of Westport, June Silvia of Westport, John (“Jack”) Silvia and his wife Margaret of South Dartmouth, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by Leonard P. Silvia, and Thomas M. Donnelly.

Geraldine was a graduate of Mount St. Mary’s Academy, Class of 1962, and the Union Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1965. Gerry began her nursing career employed at the Burn Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. She subsequently spent a majority of her professional years as an Emergency Room nurse at Union Hospital before being recruited by a Dominican Sister to work in the same capacity at St. Anne’s Hospital. Later, after working on a part-time basis while raising her family, Gerry was employed for ten years as a nurse by the Fall River School Department, where her greatest satisfaction was derived from that time when she was assisting children with Special Needs.

Gerry was a devoted communicant of Holy Name parish and was actively involved with the church community. Upon retirement she derived immense satisfaction as a nurse volunteer at Holy Name School. Gerry was the always dependable and compassionate “family nurse” who provided wise counsel and loving comfort and care whenever the need arose.

She enjoyed summer days at Baker’s Beach and Clam Boils and cookouts with her family. Gerry treasured hosting Christmas at her home each year. She was a voracious reader. After raising and educating her children, Gerry was fortunate to travel to many special places with Phil and friends.

Her Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, January 2, at Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover St. Fall River, at 10:00 A.M. (please meet at church).

Burial will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery, 2233 Robeson St, Fall River.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Gerry through the following link: Boys & Girls Club of Greater Fall River, or by making a donation to the “Sacred Heart/Holy Name Food Pantry”, by mailing checks to 709 Hanover St., Fall River, MA 02720, or dropping them off at the Holy Name Parish Office.