Kathleen Silva

Kathleen C. Silva Obituary

Kathleen (Kathy) Christine Silva, at the age of 71 years, went to Heaven while peacefully sleeping in her home on June 17, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Kathy was a devoted mother (Momma) and is survived by her daughter, April Marie Jules of Atlanta, GA, her daughter-in-law to Danielle Marie Burger of Truth or Consequences, NM. Known as Grammy to her granddaughters Azhia Tallon Bauchman of Atlanta, GA; Jolie Melody Burger of Albuquerque, NM; and Emma Marie Sandoval of Truth or Consequences, NM. She was also a beloved great-grandmother (Great-Grammy Kathy) to Abigail Rose VanEtten of Atlanta, GA, and two great-grand fur pups, Gotti and Blancko of Atlanta, GA.

Kathy was a loving, gentle, and kind soul who cherished her family above all. Her deep connection and commitment to her family was evident in every aspect of her life. At the age of 7, she was a D.E.S. Portuguese Princess, a title she wore with pride. By junior high school, Kathy was a member of the 4-H Club, raised a heifer to compete at the Chino Fair, and took home a ribbon. By high school, Kathy received her first horse, Misty. She had to learn how to ride and care for her beloved best friend, and she took great fulfillment in caring for her. Kathy has had a lifelong passion for horses ever since.

Kathy's love for the soulful and R&B sounds of Motown artists reflected her vibrant spirit. When her daughter, April, was 6 years old, she took her to the Earth, Wind, and Fire concert in 1979 at the Forum in Inglewood, CA, a memory they both cherished. She enjoyed road trips across the Pacific Northwest and Southwestern states with her youngest siblings and daughter and during most summers, frequently visited Corona del Mar Beach in Orange County, California. Kathy attended concerts, plays, ballet, movies, festivals, and fairs with her children or siblings. If Kathy didn’t have anyone to go with her to an event, she was not afraid to go by herself. Kathy’s dedication to learning led her to earn an AA degree in Business from the University of Phoenix in 2009. She and her daughter walked in the graduation ceremony in Phoenix, a moment they shared together with their family.

For the fall and winter holiday seasons, Kathy loved making her signature dish, Alcatra, also known as Portuguese wine roast. It was tender, well-seasoned, and usually had no leftovers. At different stages of her life, she helped raise or support her grandchildren, always putting their needs above hers. In 2013, Kathy moved from Southern California to the high desert of Santa Fe, NM, to help her son, David, with his daughter, Jolie.

In the last week of February 2020, 3-weeks before the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak and shutdown, her daughter, April, relocated her Momma to Atlanta, GA, to take care of her along with her granddaughter, Azhia. Kathy enjoyed the company of her daughter, granddaughter, and 2 great-grand fur pups. Once the vaccines were available, Kathy moved back to Santa Fe, where she felt the closest to her son, David, and hoped to be reunited with her granddaughter, Jolie. When Kathy was in Santa Fe, she frequently sent her great-grand fur pups’ birthday and holiday cards, treats, and toys to Atlanta. She was always thinking of her family for birthdays and holidays. She frequently sent her aunt, godfather, siblings, daughter, daughter-in-law, granddaughters, and great-granddaughter cards, letting everyone know she loved them and was thinking about them.

Kathy always welcomed her siblings and cousins to visit her in Santa Fe. Her most recent adventure was when her sister, Jackie, and first cousin, Raelyn, came to town for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in October 2023, and they had a blast! She also was visited by her brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Nikki Silva, in April 2024. Throughout her life in Santa Fe, she welcomed and entertained her siblings, whether it was for a quick meal or a week of catching up and exploring the Plaza in Santa Fe.

Kathy lived a full life. She was married and divorced three (3) times, had two (2) children, four (4) grandchildren, one (1) great-grandchild, and two (2) great-grand fur pups. She had nine (9) siblings (6) brothers and three (3) sisters, dozens of nieces and nephews, godparents, and two (2) godchildren. She was born and raised in Southern California but lived as far east as Atlanta, Georgia, for a couple of years during the pandemic, and an even shorter time in San Antonio, TX, after high school graduation. She also lived in Carson City, Nevada, and ultimately settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Kathleen (Kathy) was the oldest of 10 children, born on September 6, 1952, in Pasadena, CA, to a Portuguese American dairy farmer, Edward (Ed) John Silva, Sr., and British Isles-American, Marguerite (Peggy) Ann Silva.

Despite the distance, Kathy's family remained united in love and support. She is survived by seven (7) of her siblings and their spouses across the country, Richard Silva and sister-in-law Kathleen Ann Silva, of Clarksville, TN; Tara Quintanar of Chino, CA; Mark Silva and sister-in-law Monique (Nikki) Silva of Broken Arrow, OK; Paul Silva and sister-in-law Suzanne Silva of Carlton, OR; Jacqueline (Jackie) Silva of McMinnville, OR; Matthew Silva and sister-in-law Joyce Silva of Riverside, CA; and Stephen Silva and sister-in-law Vickie Silva of Keizer, OR. Kathy is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws worldwide.

She is also survived by her Godfather, Frank J. Silva. of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; godson, Matthew Silva; and goddaughter, Roseanne Nickles, of Running Springs, CA.

Kathy is reunited with her son, David Peter Burger, Jr., from Santa Fe, NM, who unexpectedly passed away on July 18, 2018, leaving a void in Kathy's heart and the family; and her grandson,

Ashton Dellon Bauchman from Yucca Valley, CA, who tragically passed away on August 28, 2022. In Heaven, Kathy joins her parents and two (2) of her siblings, Edward, deceased on October 25, 1997, and her mother, Peggy, deceased on May 27, 2009, from Chino, CA; her brother, Edward John Silva, Jr., deceased on June 19, 2007, from San Leandro, CA; and her sister, Sharon Jean Silva, deceased on May 27, 2016, from Orange County, CA. Kathy will also join her Godmother, Edna Silva, deceased on October 10, 2012, from Rancho Cucamonga, CA, great-grandparents, grandparents, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins who preceded her in death.

Kathleen (Kathy) Christine Silva, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, goddaughter, cousin, and friend, you will be forever loved, missed, and in our hearts.

May your soul rest in peace, and your spirit be free!