Doris Ann (Gonsalves) Silva, 95, of Hayward, CA, passed away Monday, May 15, 2017 at 5:45 am. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Louis Anthony Silva, of Hayward, in 1997. Doris is survived by four children; Diane George and her husband Bill George, of Castro Valley, Ron Silva and his wife Patti of Union City, Tom Silva and his wife Pat of Manteca, and Louis Silva and his wife Sandy of San Ramon; one brother, David Gonsalves and his wife Mary Ann of Hayward; five grandchildren, Greg Silva and his wife Heidi of San Ramon, Nathan Silva of San Ramon, Molly Lux and her husband Jeremy of San Ramon, Maureen Silva of Oakland, and Joel Silva of Sacramento; and four great-grandchildren, Patrick and Andrew (Greg), and Killian and Ruby (Molly).
Doris was the oldest of five children, born on Saturday, August 13, 1921, in San Leandro, CA. She was the daughter of the late Louis Gonsalves and the late Amelia Gonsalves. Doris married Louis (Louie) Silva on June 1, 1941, and they made their home in the Cherryland area of San Lorenzo, where they lived throughout their entire 56 years of marriage until Louie’s passing in 1997. Doris was an amazing seamstress and craftsperson, sewing clothing for her family of four children, and household items. Later this included a plethora of Hawaiian shirts which became, for a time, her trademark creation. Through her many years of learning new crafts, she made hats, mosaics, and a wide range of crafted objects, as well as every conceivable item that could come from a sewing machine. For years Doris and Louie had a holiday boutique in November at their house on Meekland, which Doris continued until very recently, where she sold many beautiful, handmade items. She continued her crafting until shortly before she died, making bouquets of paper watercolor flowers that grace the dining tables where she lived.
One of the greatest blessings in Doris’s life was her Catholic faith, which became even stronger over the years. Doris had a strong and sustained belief in God, and took every opportunity to show her love through her service to St. John’s Parish in San Lorenzo. Doris sewed garments for priests, often served as Liturgist, and helped count the offerings every Monday for many years, among many other tasks she happily performed for her Church. The clergy and the congregation of St. John’s will remember Doris as an active and very spirited member there.
Doris will be remembered best for her ability to laugh and find joy in every day. She loved to laugh at herself, and when she started, she often couldn’t stop. Her laugh was infectious, and one of her signature traits. Doris loved to help and give to others, whether it was financial, a meal, a conversation, candy, or a smile. She was filled with gratitude for her life, and often said “everyone is just so nice - there are just so many good people in the world”. Doris found the good in everyone, and we will miss her happiness and positive spirit.
Visitation will be 4 pm to 8 pm on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at Grissom's Chapel & Mortuary, 267 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo. Vigil service begins at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at St. John's Catholic Church, 264 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo. Doris will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.