DESILVA, EDNA - It is with sad and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Edna (Arsenault) DeSilva, who passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born on November 23, 1923 in Saint John, NB, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Elizabeth (Bernard) Arsenault. Mom retired from Sobeys, where she enjoyed and had many fond memories of her years there. Mom loved life and believed in living it to the fullest. She especially loved the outdoors, walking in the woods, sitting on the beach and picking apples and strawberries, but most of all Mom loved family; she loved being around family and friends, sharing a meal and a cup of tea. She is survived by her children, Paul Desilva (Anita), JoAnne Whipple (Dave), Marjorie Griffin (Dan) and Michael DeSilva (Shelly), all of Saint John, Dennis DeSilva of Ontario and David Desilva (Susan) of Alberta; her sisters, Marie Landry, Doris Cullinan (Leroy), Anne Whittiker, Audrey Jones and Marjorie O'Keefe, all of Saint John and Rita Bellany of Calgary; 17 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and very special friends at the Saint John Regional Hospital (5CS). She was predeceased by her husband, Omer DeSilva; brothers, Paul and Frankie Arsenault; sister, Theresa McKnight; and grandson, Michael Whipple.
Arrangements are entrusted to Castle Funeral Home, "Fallsview Chapel", 309 Lancaster Avenue, Saint John West (634-1701). Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 12:00 pm from Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery. There will be a reception at the Fallsview Reception Centre following interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of the Assumption Church Building Fund or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be placed at www.castlefh.com