Edna Silva, 87

October 20, 2022

Loving, kind, thoughtful and considerate until the end, Edna Silva completed her earthly sojourn of 87 years on October 20, 2022, a day she had looked forward to, the day she would meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Heaven’s gates opened wide as she was peacefully welcomed by those who passed before her, reuniting with her beloved husband and best friend, ‘Bobby,’ whom she shared a love story with for 63 years. Her life plan completed, she peacefully embarked on her next great adventure, resting in God’s comfort.

Edna will be fondly remembered as a devoted wife, mother, foster mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who exuded kindness and compassion. She had immense empathy for others and was always available to lend a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, and a pair of open arms to embrace you. Known for her unwavering faith in God, she had a gracious and giving heart, a sympathetic demeanor, and an ever-present smile. Edna counted her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as her greatest accomplishment, joy and fulfillment. Nothing was more important to her than caring for and spending time with her family. Her faith was inspiring; no matter the trials she endured, it never wavered.

Edna was born in Staten Island, New York, to Herbert and Lillian (nee From) Thorsen on October 3, 1935. She was a graduate of Curtis High School, where she met the love of her life,’ Bobby.’ She worked as a secretary at Chase Manhattan Bank until moving to Maine. They had two children and were foster parents to five. Known to all as Mama, she was a nurturer and selfless caregiver, watching her grandchildren while their mother worked.

Edna always told the story that she was a miracle from God. She was a ‘surprise’ to her parents, who were told her mother could not have more children due to a medical condition. At a young age, Edna contracted rheumatic fever, scarlet fever and black measles and was not anticipated to live. After a long recovery, she was left with a heart problem. A few years later, her heart miraculously healed, and she outlived everyone in her immediate family.

Edna was the consummate 50’s homemaker who took pride in keeping a spotless house and raising her children – all done in a dress and high heels. She loved to cook a meal and have everyone gather around the table, catching up on the day’s activities. Always involved in her children’s lives, she was a brownie leader, PTA Mom, and a VBS teacher. Edna liked to house hunt, peruse real estate books, and outlet shop. She was a DIYer who enjoyed decorating and giving furniture a fabulous new look. She had a sweet tooth, enjoying her daily dish of ice cream and anything chocolate. Edna played the piano beautifully, never taking a lesson or reading a note. She loved to sing and knew the words to every hymn. She was a sweet, humble person who always felt she wasn’t very smart. Unbeknownst to her, she was one of the most intelligent people we had the privilege to know – always giving practical and loving advice. Edna and her husband Bob were considered the gypsies of the family, taking up residence in New York, Maine, New Jersey, Ohio and Florida before finally settling in Pennsylvania in 2007, where they resided in Willow Valley. While living in Florida, Edna loved to walk on Fort Myers Beach hand in hand with her ‘Bobby,’ take a dip in the pool and was a frequent visitor to Disney World. Before moving to Willow Valley, she traveled extensively, cruising to Alaska, Hawaii, Central America and many Caribbean islands. As she grew older, Edna’s favorite activities included watching game shows and listening to Christian music, especially Bill Gaither.

Edna suffered several strokes, and although she tried extremely hard to recover, the horrible condition of vascular dementia (known as the long goodbye) took over. Heartbreaking changes slowly took hold, but even though her memory was failing, she remained a compassionate person with a quirky sense of humor who loved her God and family. Very often you would enter her room and she would be praying, not only for herself but for others. Towards the end, she found comfort in holding your hand and would tell you she loved you and was grateful you came to visit.

Edna leaves behind a heartbroken family, but our lives are forever better for having been touched by her love. She leaves behind a daughter, Elaine Coursey, son Robert Silva Jr. (Vilmary), grandchildren Richard Coursey (Carolyn), Christopher Coursey, Kelly Pfeiffer (Seth) and great-grandchildren, Seth, Bradley, Hannah, Malia, Ashley, Richie and Gabriel.
In the end, we all become stories. It is important to keep the story of Edna going through her family and friends. The world is sadder without her, and she will always be remembered, never forgotten, and missed beyond measure. The family is so thankful to have had such an incredible person in our lives, and we rejoice that she is living her best life now! Although we have shed tears, we smile because she lived.

On Edna’s behalf, the family would like to express their appreciation and thanks to those who took care of her over the past few years.

A joint service for both Edna and Bob will be held at a later date for family and friends in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, to scatter their ashes and memorialize their lives.
In place of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Edna’s honor to:
Hospice & Community Care
685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601
info@hospicecommunity.org

Well done, good and faithful servant.
Rest in peace till we meet again.