Obituary of Esther J. Silva

Esther Jimenez Silva, age 98 of Saginaw, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Esther was born to Vicente and Modesta Jimenez in Chicago, Illinois on November 20, 1926 and was raised and educated in Mexico City, Mexico. Our precious mother returned to the States and was a hospital employee, and during the war effort, in the auto industry as well as seasonal farm work. She met Anthony Silva at a Mother's Day Dance in Saginaw and was married in 1950. Honeymooning at the Grand Canyon that year, it was as if their love of travel and adventure began. But first, was their fidelity to faith and family. She had an unwavering devotion to La Virgen de Guadalupe, engendered by her parents and their monthly visits to the Basilica in her early years. This extended to becoming an active Cursillista as a member of St. Joseph's Parish for many years. As the family grew and neighborhoods changed, she and Tony remained active in various lay and community activities such as dropping off crocheted hats and scarves to the veterans at the VA, packing and delivering meals on wheels, and she continued her volunteer efforts for St. John Vianney Parish as late as a few weeks before she entered God's Kingdom.

Family was the center of her life. She cared for her parents, children and extended Mexican family members. She spoke only Spanish to her young children to strengthen the bonds to their maternal and paternal grandparents and to her family in Mexico. She and Tony also extended their love and home by fostering over 50 children over the years. Nieces of beloved cousins became part of their family; several exchange students enjoyed the language and culture ever present in their home. She was a fierce advocate for them all, particularly in the accomplishment of educational goals.

Her grandchildren would remember that her cooking, especially her mole, would forever trigger fond memories because after-Church Sunday dinners were a highlight of the week. They would probably say she made the best bologna sandwiches, too. She cherished them, cared for them, (many since weeks old); they were her "babies" too. We were not jealous to share.

Esther and Tony were avid travelers, mostly finding different ways to cross the USA to get to California to visit her sister or family in Mexico. Before COVID, she missed no opportunity to take a flight, cruise, or road trip to visit grandchildren or family or merely experience life. She would say, when asked if she wanted to go somewhere, "let me get my purse".

Our precious mother will be remembered by the many afghans she crocheted, the aroma of familiar meals and her expressions, games and songs she taught the little ones. Her Catholic faith, her daily rosary, Mass via TV as she became older and less mobile were the constant. She was a champion at extending a voice for those overlooked or needing support her love was boundless. She was a model mother, wife, grandmother and great grandmother.

Esther is survived by her children, Rick (Janet) Silva, Mariaelena Silva, George (Christina) Romero, Martin (Jacqui) Silva, Bernadette Silva, Don Antal; her beloved grandchildren, John (Victoria), Andrew (Anne), Antoinette (Jose), Veronica (João Paulo), Vicente (Gracie), Christina London, Gregory Romero, Bryan Romero, Maritza (David), David, Mark; cherished great grandchildren, Isaiah, Alexander, William, Adam, Olivia and Rosalia; her dear nieces Rita, Monica, Mayra and Vania as well as many beloved cousins in Mexico and Chicago who were her esteemed "hermanos" her sister in law, Sr. Lupe Silva; Alejandro Huerta; as well as many, many nieces and nephews; and step grandchildren, Jennifer and Jason (deceased) and Nicholas. Gwen Sutter, who deferred a lot of her life to care for our mom these last five years is our treasured angel.

Esther was preceded in death by her precious husband, Tony who cared for her beyond his earthly presence, her parents, her sister Christina, her brother Francisco, nephew Tyrone, and grandsons Anthony and John.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 6400 McCarty Road, Saginaw, MI 48603 on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.

FUNERAL SERVICE: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 6400 McCarty Road, Saginaw. Rev. Fr. Thomas J. McNamara will officiate. Entombment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery Mausoleum in Saginaw.

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.