Tillie Silva

Tillie Silva went home to the Lord surrounded by family on Sunday, July 1, 2018.

She was born on October 18, 1926 to Donato and Epimenia Lucero in San Jose, New Mexico.

She is preceded in death by her brother, Joe Lucero, her sister, Connie McElheney, and her daughter, Kathleen Worland.

Tillie is survived by her sisters; Stella Vigil, Angeline Stanley, Cora Ogilvie and husband Richard, her son Jerry Silva and wife Georgia, grandchildren Barbara Forrister and husband Ray, Jeffrey and Jason Silva, great grandchildren Julie and Elena Forrister, many nieces and nephews. With gratitude to Nora Bird and John Lucero for their continued devotion.

After completing nursing school, she worked at St. Anthony's Hospital in Las Vegas, NM. In 1959 she moved to Albuquerque to be a nurse at Presbyterian Hospital, followed by a 25 year career with APS.

Tillie loved her family, friends and life. She enjoyed hosting friends and family in her lovely home and holiday parties in her backyard. Her mashed potatoes and beans were always a crowd pleaser and her desire to nourish others made her home a hospitable hub. The family traditions that arose out of reunions and celebrations imprint our hearts today. Santa Claus always visited 420 Granite on Christmas Eve. Tillie either knew someone everywhere she went or made friends with them and her impact will not be soon forgotten.

Tillie was close with her sisters and shared a special bond with each of them. Together, these five ladies all came to affectionately be known as "Lucy" after Lucille Ball. Laughter and light-heartedness come easily to them, especially when with each other. Tommy Stanley remembers his Aunt Tillie as "Head Lucy."

Tillie was a dedicated Catholic at Immaculate Conception. After retirement, Tillie was of service to her faith and community through a series of programs run by her parish, Immaculate Conception. She worked with Dorothy Wickens at the Home for Unwed Mothers, where she devoted her support with compassion and non-judgement. Tillie was later an active volunteer with Bread and Blessings and could often be spotted there with her sister Cora on Sundays.

Tillie's Life Celebration will begin with a Visitation on Friday, July 6, 2018 at 8:30 am at Immaculate Conception Church located at 619 Copper Ave NW, followed by a Rosary at 9:00 am and Mass will begin at 10:00 am. Committal will be held on Monday, July 9, 2018 at 11:00 am at Sunset Memorial Park located at 924 Menaul Blvd NE.

Pallbearers will be John Lucero, Danny and Tommy Stanley, Donny McElheney, Andy and Keith Anderson. Honorary pallbearers will be Anthoney Carillo and Bobby McElheney.