Mary S. De Silva

"A friend to all, a foe to none." Mary Stella De Silva, 97, of West Brighton, entered into eternal rest on June 18, 2022. Mrs. De Silva died peacefully at her home where she has lived since 1954. Mrs. De Silva was born Mary Stella Lagana on December 20, 1924 in Manhattan. Her parents, Salvatore and Francesca, were Sicilian immigrants. Mrs. De Silva was extremely devoted to her parents with whom she lived in Little Italy and then in West Brighton beginning in 1954. Mrs. De Silva graduated from public schools in Manhattan. In grammar school she was awarded the Good Citizenship Medal by the Daughters of the American Revolution. She graduated from Seward Park High School in 1942 with honors and excellence in Italian. Mrs. De Silva was the first in her family to attend college. She attended the College of the City of New York, and Washington Square College. Thereafter, she earned an A.A. from Staten Island Community College, a B.A. from Richmond College, a M.A. in liberal arts studies from the College of Staten Island, and a M.S. in library science and information from Pratt Institute. Mrs. De Silva began working in 1942 during World War II at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Thereafter she worked as an executive secretary for various large companies, including the American Diabetes Association. She began working in 1968 for the Staten Island Medical Group and was an Associate Administrator at the time of her retirement in 1991. After retirement she attained her life-long dream of becoming a librarian and worked at the Staten Island Museum, and at the medical library at St. Vincent's Medical Center. Mrs. De Silva was a member of the Archeology Society, the Belles-Lettres Society, and the Business and Professional Women's Club. Mrs. De Silva was an avid reader and book collector (especially concerning Sicilian culture). She enjoyed old movies, crossword puzzles, knitting, crocheting and the companionship of her pets Lisa, Honey, and Misty. Above all she enjoyed her precious moments with her granddaughters who filled her life with joy and wonder. Mrs. De Silva was a parishioner of Sacred Heart R.C. Church, West Brighton. "She wanted everyone to know that what is most important is faith and family," said her son, James De Silva. Mary is survived by her son James T. De Silva (Mary Marjorie), her two grand-daughters Olivia and Antonia, and many devoted nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her husband James Joseph De Silva, her grandson Noah James De Silva, her brother Frank Logano, and her sister Rafaellea Gilardi. Viewing will be held on Friday, June 24, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Harmon Funeral Home. The funeral mass will be on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart R.C. Church. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.

Published by Staten Island Advance from Jun. 22 to Jun. 23, 2022.

Mary S. De Silva, age 97, of Staten Island, New York passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2022. Mary was born December 20, 1924.

A visitation for Mary will be held Friday, June 24, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310. A visiting will occur Friday, June 24, 2022 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 571 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310. A mass of christian burial will occur Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM at Sacred Heart Church-Glendale, 981 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310. An interment will occur Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 11:45 AM to 12:30 PM at St. Peter's Cemetery, 52 Tyler Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.harmonfuneralhome.net for the

De Silva family.