Julie B. Silva

Saturday, Jun. 10, 2017

Julie B. Silva

Jan. 23, 1938 – May 29, 2017

In the early morning hours on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2017, our beloved wife and mother, Julie B. Silva, returned home peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mom was born in Tacambaro, Michoacan, Mexico to Eleuterio and Susana Birrueta. The Birrueta family immigrated to Texas in 1945 and then to Syracuse, Utah in 1951.

Mom and Dad met at the A-1 Café in April 1958 and got married in October. They’ve been married ever since. They raised their family in South Salt Lake, Utah, where she resided until her death.

Mom and Dad had four wonderful children: Alex, Paul, Susana and Jerry. Her favorite things to do were anything with her family, traveling – especially trips to Cabos San Lucas – camping, fishing, knitting, sewing, crocheting, gardening, cooking, painting, visiting with friends, doing puzzles, playing card games, playing slot machines and making new friends all along the way. She leaves a legacy of faith, love and family.

Mom was proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She would be front and center at every event, send a card or call to let you know how proud she was.

Mom had an amazing work ethic, worked hard for her family, and never complained or judged anyone.

Mom volunteered at the old South Salt Lake City Hall as a teacher of English as a Second Language, she was an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion to the sick and for the elderly for St. Ann Parish and she volunteered at the St Ann’s Daycare. She also enjoyed her time volunteering at the South Salt Lake Senior Community Center and would teach knitting classes and knit gifts for many people. She fed just about everyone she came in contact with. She loved everyone and was loved by everyone.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents, Eleuterio and Susana Birreuta; her sisters Esperanza Birrueta and Donna Birrueta; and brothers Daniel Birreuta, Rick Birrueta and Frank Birrueta.

Mom is survived by her husband, William Jerry Silva; her children, Alex (Cris) Silva, Paul (Dani) Silva, Susana (Patrick) Chaffos, and Jerry (Cristina) Silva; her siblings Mary Jane Cifuentes, Lola Duran, Fay Lopez, Connie Douglas, Fred Birrueta and Manual Birrueta; and all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will miss her dearly.

A funeral Mass was held on June 3 at St. Ann Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to the South Salt Lake PAL program www.sslpal.org, which will be given to the South Salt Lake City Senior Community Center in Julie Silva’s honor.