Obituary of Silvia Helena Pereira de Macedo

Silvia Helena Pereira de Macedo went to her eternal rest on October 24, 2022, after a long and full life of 89 years. Born to Viriato and Maria do Carmo Pereira in Cape Verde on April 12, 1933, Silvia was the eldest of eight children. She was her siblings’ primary caretaker when her parents immigrated to the United States. 

Silvia immigrated with her late husband, Alceu de Macedo, and their seven children in 1966. After a few years of living in Dorchester, they moved to Kingston, MA, and lived there for 40 years. She was cared for by her daughter and son-in-law Lizeth and Bob McNeill in Plymouth, MA for the last 12 years of her life. 

Silvia often shared that she wanted to immigrate to the United States, so her children would have a chance to get an excellent education. She was a lifetime learner and attended night school to further her education. 

Because of her sacrifice, her unyielding commitment to education, and her coherence, each of her children were able to pursue their dreams. They have earned doctorates, run businesses, and served as politicians, nurses, and homemakers. Her grandchildren are continuing that legacy, and one of them became a medical doctor just last year. 

She was an entrepreneur and accomplished seamstress, running The Golden Thimble with her sister, Arlete. She designed and made beautiful dresses and custom bridal gowns. Some of her other talents included embroidery, crochet, tailoring, and also custom bridal and birthday cakes which she made for family and friends. 

Everyone who knew her was welcome in her home. So many of her children’s childhood friends have shared beautiful stories of Silvia’s hospitality -- and you couldn’t possibly leave without having had something to eat. And it was usually chocolate. 

She leaves behind five of her siblings, Arlete Mascarenhas, Carlos Pereira, Gisela Silverio, Viriato Pereira and AutaHendler. In addition, she is survived by six of her seven children: Donaldo Macedo, Mia Dailey, Lizeth McNeill, ValdirMacedo, Olavo (Olly) deMacedo and Viriato (Vinny) deMacedo. Silvia joins her daughter, Fernanda Smith, in eternal rest, as well as her late husband Alceu, her brother IldebertoPereira and sister Filomena Pereira. She had 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, the youngest of whom was born last week. 

Every time a new baby was born into the family, Silvia made sure to call and express that “Every child is a blessing from God.” She never ceased praying for each of her family members by name daily.

Silvia was bright, brilliant, decisive, and sharp until her last day. Long after her sight began to fade, and her hands hurt too much for needlework, her memory stuck with her. She was sure to call on your birthday and remind you that you were in her prayers. We will all miss her telling her favorite stories from the old days, but thanks to hearing them so many times, we will gladly repeat them for anyone who wants to listen. 

Mama, Mana, Vovo Mommy, Tia Silvia, Prima Silvia -- she leaves behind a beautiful legacy of endurance, sacrifice, and unfailing love. 

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, Oct. 30 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Shepherd’s Funeral Home in Kingston, MA. The funeral mass will be held on Monday, Oct. 31 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s in Kingston, MA

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Susan G. Komen North Jersey Breast Cancer Foundation (komennorthjersey.org), or the "Silvia Pereira deMacedo Endowed Fund" to provide scholarships for young women of Cape Verdean descent attending Bridgewater State University, with donations sent to BSU Foundation, P.O. Box 42 Bridgewater MA 02324.