Josephine Marks Silva, “Jo” or “Josie” to family and friends, passed away on June 23, 2018 in Oakland, California at the age of 99. She was born August 22, 1918 in Oakland to parents John and Maria Silva.

Josephine was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Christian Donald Silva, in 2002. She was also preceded in death by siblings Frank Silva, Adeline Silva, Richard Silva, and Joseph Silva. Josephine is survived by her children Janice Marie Mergel, Christian Douglas Silva, and Stanley Richard Silva; grandchildren Annette Easley, Denise Wadley, Deanne Mann, Jennifer Silva and Christian Silva.

Josephine attended Roosevelt High School in Oakland and worked for many years as a commissioner with the Alameda County Commission on Aging. She worked with her husband to secure funds for the Ashland Park & Community Center, and helped form the Ashland Area Community Association. She loved playing bridge with her bridge club members, making stained class and mosaic glass art, and trips to Reno to play the slots – so much she even wrote a song about it!

A visitation will be held Tuesday June 26 from 4-8 PM, with vigil service at 7 PM, at Grissom’s Chapel & Mortuary, 267 E Lewelling Blvd, San Lorenzo, CA, 94580. Mass will be Wednesday June 27th, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 264 E. Lewelling Blvd, San Lorenzo. Josephine will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward, CA.

Memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Heart Monastery of Poor Clares in Los Altos Hills.