Obituary of Jeanette P. (Silva) Dias

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jeannette P. (Silva) Dias, a beloved wife, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Jeannette left this world on October 18, 2023 at the age of 87.

Jeannette was born on February 17, 1936, in Middleboro, Massachusetts, the daughter of the late Marguerite C. (Johnson) Silva of Pomfret and Meriden, Connecticut and the late Jerome P. Silva of Soa Filipe, Fogo, Cabo Verde. She grew up in Middleboro in a family of twelve children, nine of whom reached adulthood. It is in Middleboro that Jeannette forged lifelong friendships and created loving memories. After graduating from Memorial High School in Middleboro, Jeannette attended and graduated from the Swain School of Design in New Bedford, making her among a cadre of Black and Cape Verdean women to forge a path for future generations and becoming the first woman in her family to attend an institution of higher education. On August 6, 1976, at her brother John and sister-law Janice’s-Middleboro home, she married her husband, Albert Dias, of New York and New Bedford, Massachusetts. They were married for thirty-three years before Al’s passing and lived in Hawaii and Florida before settling in their cozy cabin in Carver, Massachusetts. A talented artist, Jeannette's spirit of love and compassion touched the lives of all who knew her.

Jeannette was a devoted daughter to her parents, loving sister, generous godmother, and a cherished aunt to many. Both Jeannette and Albert shared a passion for travel, gardening and caring for their pets, and they cherished the moments they spent pursuing their shared interests. Their bond was not just one of love but also one of friendship and mutual admiration. Jeannette is survived by her loving family and friends who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her sense of humor, kindness, strength, and love.

Jeannette was a remarkable woman whose life was characterized by her unwavering devotion to her family. She is survived by her brother August P. Silva, Sr. and his wife Maria, of Hanson, Massachusetts, and brother John P. Silva, and his wife Janice of Dade City, Florida, sisters-in-law, Teiko Silva of Browns Mills, New Jersey, and Priscilla Silva of Raynham, Massachusetts. She was predeceased by parents, her sisters Andrezia C. (Silva) Howell of Meriden, Connecticut, and Rosie P. Silva and husband, Innocence of Carver, Massachusetts, brothers Alfred P. Silva, Sr. and his wife Jeannette of Stoughton, Massachusetts, Joseph Silva, Sr. of Browns Mills, New Jersey, Anthony P. Silva, Sr. of Middleboro, Massachusetts, and Jerry P. Silva of Raynham, Massachusetts.

Visiting hours will be held from from 9:00– 11:00am followed by a 11:30 funeral service at Shepherd’s Funeral Home to celebrate Jeannette's life will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 216 Main St, Kingston MA 02364. She will be laid to rest next to her husband, Albert, at the Bourne National Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association in her memory.

Jeannette P. Silva Dias will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her memory will serve as a source of inspiration, reminding us of the importance of love, family, and the precious moments we share with one another. May she rest in eternal peace