Mary Ann Silva

MARY ANN (FARIA) SILVA (1930-2024)

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ~Psalm 23:6. Mary Ann Silva, beloved and dear to many, peacefully passed away on March 15, 2024 at 93 years of age surrounded by family and friends. Mary Ann Faria was born to Amelia & Manuel Faria on June 6th, 1930 in Porterville. She was raised on the family farm in Tipton with 6 siblings, attending Tipton elementary school and nursing school. Love at first site, Mary spotted the love of her life, Manuel Silva, on a tractor in Lompoc, CA. The feelings were mutual and after exchanging letters for a time, they were married on May 11th, 1947. They worked side by side building a life together as farmers and raising a family of 5 children. They had fun balancing each other out, helping those in need, and making trips to the coast. Mary will affectionately be remembered for her kindness, laughter, honesty, and wholesome jesting amid the trials of life and “life on ranch”. Mary was a passionate and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, godmother, and friend. She enjoyed Portuguese celebrations, collecting antiques, praying the rosary, being a nurse’s aide, piercing ears, and working on the farm with her husband. Mary also loved welcoming anyone and everyone to her home with a warm pot of chicken soup and witty stories sure to bring smiles and laughter even to the weariest of souls. She made beans and Portuguese filhos (donuts) for the Silva Family Reunions in Lompoc & at the Tulare Farm Show for over 50 years—passing on such traditions and morale to those around her. In her later years, she cherished road trips, Taco Bell, Hallmark movies, and Hazelnut coffees. Throughout Mary’s life, she held an unwavering faith in God and passion for the truth that was balanced with an unparalleled sense of humor and feistiness. With great joy and hope, Mary looked forward to joining loved ones in Heaven. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings Lou Schott and Manuel Faria Jr.  She is survived by her siblings Eleanor, Diane, Danny, and Linda. She is also survived by her children Mike (Cheryl), Ronnie (Mary †), Donnie (Robin), Mark (Debbie), and Debbie (Carl). She is survived by 17 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, godchildren, and many foster grandchildren. The family would like to give special thanks to the ladies who did her hair and nails, caregivers, family, and friends who brought her so much happiness in her last years and days. We would also like to thank Shawn Cardoza & American Care Hospice for the wonderful care they provided and arranged.

In Mary’s spirit and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity or church in need.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00p.m. at Miller's Tulare Funeral Home.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 6:00 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 232 Adam Road, Tipton

Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, with burial at Tulare Cemetery District, 900 East Kern Avenue, Tulare

If you would like to order flowers you can call Peter Perkins Flowers at 559-734-6788 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Ann Silva, please visit our floral store.