Irene Weber Silva

Dec. 24, 1925 - Sept. 19, 2014

Irene Weber Silva passed away on Sept. 19, 2014 in Modesto surrounded by her family. She was 88 years old.

Irene was born in Tillamook, Ore., on Dec. 24, 1925 to Franz Alois and Gertrude Weber. In 1942, Irene and her family moved from Oregon to Modesto and in 1944 Irene graduated from Modesto High School. Right after graduation, Irene went to work as a secretary for Modesto Lumber Company until 1951. It was during this time that she met Richard Joseph Silva and the two were married on Nov. 21, 1948. They were married for 56 years until his death in December of 2004.

From August 1957 to July 1996, Irene was the secretary for St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and also was the secretary for St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery from January 1964 to October 1996. Outside of work, Irene was an avid sports fan. She enjoyed watching Norte Dame football games on TV and attending her children and grandchildren's athletic events and activities over the years. Irene will be remembered for her modest generosity. She was always aware of the needs of others and her non-judgmental spirit will live on in the many lives she touched. Above all else, Irene loved her family. She was an extraordinary grandmother that would never miss a birthday. She is dearly loved and will be forever missed.

Irene leaves behind her children, Stephen Richard Silva and Susan Marie Zwahlen (Lynn); her grandchildren, Rodney Zwahlen (Hilary), Troy Zwahlen, Tod Zwahlen (Betsy), Jay Zwahlen, Annie Marshall (Brady) and Aaron Zwahlen; her great grandsons, Landon, Parker and Austin; her great granddaughters, Andie and Charlie; along with her sister, Louise Burnett (Frank) and many nieces and nephews. Irene was also a godmother to many.

Irene is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Silva, and her sisters, Anne Betschart (Pete) and Betty Decker (Ray).

Arrangements have been entrusted to Franklin & Downs Funeral Home. A graveside service is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 26 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery on 1141 Scenic Drive in Modesto.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Irene's name to Interfaith Ministries: 120 Kerr Ave., Modesto, CA 95354 or the Stanislaus Family Justice Center: 1625 I Street, Modesto CA 95354.

-Ceres (Calif.) Courier
Wednesday, Sept, 24, 2014