Maria Guadalupe Silvino

Maria G. Silvino daughter of Antonina & Jose Esquivel. Sister of George, Sara. Alberto & half-sister to Maria. Loving & devoted wife of Jose Salvador Silvino. Caring Mother to Alma. Surviving sons Martha, Salvador, Lucia and Alicia. Grandmother to Alonso, Gilbert, Enrique, Jose Salvador, Rocio, Alejandro, Josue, Mario, Montseratt and her great grandchildren Noah, Dominic, Christian, Jesuah, Kaila, Z’andra, Alonso and Jesus. Mom was born in Mexico, migrated to the United States and made Chicago and San Antonio her home.

I know mom is completely and entirely immersed in the Lord’s love in heaven. She’s cherishing every second she has with my dad, sister, my grandmother. Mom’s character can best be described as strong willed, loving, caring and self-less. Her life can be summed up in 4 words: faith, family, love and service.

Faith was her driving force knowing that everything was possible with God: «Dios es muy grande», «Así lo quiere Dios » and «Solo la Esperanza en Dios,» were always her sayings. The Virgin Mary filled her heart with peace and love as she faithfully prayed the rosary. She would dedicate the rosary for us, her family, thus being our protective angel. “Do more for others than you would for yourself,” I’ve heard that many times used to describe our catholic faith, and this was a message she took to heart. Without question, Maria G. Silvino lived her life not only to serve the Lord, but to put others before herself.

Mom dedicated her entire life to being present for us, her family, in a caring way and loving fashion. She was an adoring, loving and loyal wife who was our father's backbone. Dad would always say: “Mi viejita», Mi peon, was always by my side helping me.” Pleasing him with his favorite foods ; fresh tortillas, tons of tamales and even helping him make cement blocks. She was his right hand. A nurturing mother who always showed unconditional love to her family. As I was growing up in Chicago, I remember our nightly fashion sessions where my mom would be crafting our “One of a Kind Outfits.” As she was sewing, I would be in front of her, armed with the rosary and we would be praying together, not only the rosary, but an immense number of prayers. As I got older, I would discover different culinary arts ranging from Italian, to Mexican, to Chekhovian. It wasn’t just cooking together and setting up for supper; It was her time to share with me her childhood memories, family struggles and milestones, exploration of our catholic dogma and cooking tips. It was our time to listen to motherly advice and spend valuable time together. “I thank my God every time I remember you.” -Philippians1:3-

She adored and showed unwaning love for her grandkids and support, as well. Their terms of endearment for her were: Weta and Buela. My Weta was a warm and loving soul; someone who’s warmth would bring a calmness over a room.

Weta was loved by all of us, and yet that love collectively is not as much as the love she held for us. She left behind parts of herself in our best qualities and we are lucky to have had an angel in our life. I remember that Buela had a blue bird and a lime green bird. When we would water the plants, we would also feed her birds. After they ate, the birds would chirp and my Buela would say: “Monse, the birds are singing to you because you feed them.”

I remember spending time with Buela as we sat down and she listened to me read The Word Book Encyclopedia. I would read book by book over and over again. Buela would just sit next to me and listen to me talk about all sorts of things I discovered as I read. I never really knew if she understood everything I was saying, but nevertheless, she sat there listening to me as I droned on about animals and random cool facts. It still feels surreal to me not having Buela with us. Sometimes I hope that when I wake up, I will see her just once more. However, I am happy that I got to spend so much time with her. I love you Buela.

If I had one memory to share it would be when she was recovering from major surgery a few months back. The first thing she told me was «Estas bien?» That to me will always define her life. A servant of God, and the most caring person in the world. Fitting that she went to meet God on Holy Week. From my family Grandma, we love you and you will always be a guiding light to me in dark times. Descansa en paz tu misión ha terminado.

The famous words to her son in laws were «Como te lo voy a pagar?» whenever they would help her. She was always concerned with everyone’s well-being. At the end she was still asking about everybody. Are they at work, at school? Or she would say don’t go out. Are they ok? Do you need money? They should be careful if they have to drive and «Se encomiendan a Dios. »

Without love we are nothing. Her love was always persistent, relentless, and undeniable. Always expecting the best to come out of others, ever patient. Everything mom had and knew, was out of love. The real meaning of life is love and mom loved everyone.

-Acts 26:7 “Instantly serving God day and night-”

Mom served our Lord by loving and caring for others. She found pleasure in helping her family, her friends and strangers. Whether it was cooking, sewing or doing laundry, she was so diligent in getting things done right. Taking a glimpse at her tired hands was a window to what her life was like. She always took pleasure in being a seamstress and a nanny. Mom always shared fond memories of the children she cared for and loved as if they were her own. Serving Christ and others was her Christian calling.

Maria lived a life of holiness, putting God and her family before herself. What she has left behind is a legacy of love, and a model for compassion, diligence, and an appreciation for God's gifts. In big and small ways she let you know that you were appreciated and that you were important and no matter who you were or what had befallen you, nothing came between you, her and the Lord.