Juanita Silva

Juanita Silva Grand Rapids, MI formerly of Merrill, MI Our beloved sister and aunt, Juanita Silva was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at Marywood Assisted Living, Grand Rapids, MI. Juanita Silva was born February 15, 1915, in Aguascalientes, Mexico, daughter of the late Brunita (Perez) Silva and Lucio Silva. She moved to Michigan with her parents and seven siblings in 1925. Juanita was an active and devoted member of St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Merrill. Faith, family, and her parish family were her mainstays for 103 years! During WWII Juanita went to work at the Malleable Iron Foundry in Saginaw, stayed on after the war, and retired after 29 years. Juanita treasured the art of faith and family prayer that was practiced daily at home. Her father taught Juanita the art of gardening flowers and vegetables; her tender and industrious care of earth was a life-long love. Her mother taught Juanita the arts of needlework and cooking, and her fresh "tortillas" were always "the first to go!" at bake sales and potluck suppers. Juanita will be greatly missed by one brother, Jesse (102), her sister, Sr. Lupe Silva, O.P., and several generations of nieces, nephews, and their families. Besides her parents, Juanita was predeceased by her brothers: Joseph, James, Frank, Tony, Peter, David, Ben, and her sister Mary. Funeral liturgy will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 12, 2018 at St. John XXIII, Sacred Heart, 419 S. Midland, Merrill, with Fr. Dennis Kucharczyk officiating. She will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Her family will receive friends at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 125 E. Saginaw St., Merrill, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Friday where Sr. Lupe Silva will conduct a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Friends may then visit at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of funeral. Donations may be given to Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters or St. John XXIII Parish. Juanita and her family extend special "gracias/thanks" to her long time beloved Merrill community, the Dominican Sisters at Marywood, Aquinata Hall staff and care aides, and the community of Sisters and friends there who will continue to savor the beauty and warmth of Juanitas favorite spot in the sunny Atrium.

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
125 East Saginaw Street
Merrill, MI
United States 48637