Ruth Biruta Silva

Ruth B. (Pukulis) Silva, age 77 of New Bedford, passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at Charlton Memorial Hospital, after a brief illness. She was the daughter of the late Jekabs and Ilze (Krievs) Pukulis.

Born in Liepaja, Latvia, the family escaped Russian occupation, and in a fishing boat, fled to Sweden. After 6 years in a refugee camp, and two more children, (Dzintra and Modris) they were sponsored to Timmins Ontario Canada, where 2 more children, (Silvija and Vija) were born. Ruth graduated from Timmins High and Vocational School. She later came to the New Bedford area where she married and raised her family.

Ruth worked for many years as a Bookkeeper for the Long Shoreman’s Union and then in a local attorney’s office. She most recently shared her love for children by being a mentor and tutor in the Foster Grandparent Program with Coastline Elderly.

Ruthie not only loved children, but animals too. As well as working for the Humane Society, (New Bedford Animal Rescue League), she looked forward to pet-sitting for friends and family members, as well as visits from her grandpup, MargauxRhita from Tennessee..

Her yard is the place where Ruth spent most of her spare time, gardening and planting flowers. When she wasn’t digging in the dirt, Ruth was likely shopping, making duck towels, working on crafts and other projects involving her sewing machine, or traveling with her sisters. She never missed a family function and an opportunity to document it with her camera. Ruthie’s heritage was also very important to her, and included looking after many in the elder Latvian community .

Ruth is survived by her children, Michele Silva of Knoxville, TN and Michael Silva of New Bedford; her siblings, Dzintra Ferrigan, Silvija Mazza, Vija Pukulis Carney and Modris Pukulis all of Massachusetts; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life in Ruth's honor will be held on Sunday - September 29, 2019 from 11am-2pm in the SeaLoft at the Waypoint Event Center adjoining the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott hotel on MacArthur Drive in New Bedford.

Arrangements are in the care of the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME at FAIRLAWN, 180 Washington Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Humane Society & Shelter – South Coast www.hsssc.org, or in Tennessee: Small Breed Rescue of East Tennessee www.sbret.com. To leave a note of condolence: www.waring-sullivan.com