Mary E. "Betty" Silvia, 92, of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on February 8, 2026.

Born and raised in Middletown, RI, she was the daughter of the late Mariano and Mary (Souza) Ferreira. Betty grew up in Middletown, Rhode Island, where she attended school and started her working career as a teenager at Lincoln Store in Newport. She also worked as a caddy at the Sachuest Golf Club, just up the road from her home, where she first learned her golfing skills. She also worked many years at General Electric in Newport and later at Transcom Electronics in Portsmouth.

As a teenager, she met Armand "Herman" Rodrigues at a dance at Fenner Hall in Newport, and they were married in 1956. She became the loving mother to Ronald B. Rodrigues and his late wife Gail, and to the late Sharon L. Diomandes (Tommy) and Steven P. Rodrigues (Karen). She was a cherished grandmother to her five grandchildren, Ronald Rodrigues, Ashley Sisson (Andrew), Stephen Diomandes (Michelle), Matthew Diomandes (Andrew) and Michael Rodrigues (Hayley) and seven Great-Grandchildren who all gave her immense joy.

After her husband passed away at a young age, Betty's inner strength, perseverance and faith enabled her to raise their three children and later care for her grandchildren.

Betty later married Manuel C. "Mannie" Silvia and gained another son, Robert W. Silvia. For many years Betty and Mannie split their time between Middletown and Englewood, Florida where they both worked on their golf skills year round until they retired to Middletown, RI.

Betty found deep joy in gardening, sewing, baking and caring for her grandchildren. As a young mother she would often be seen at the fabric store looking for fabric and patterns to make a new dress. Many friends and family couldn't wait for her lemon meringue pie that she mostly made around the holidays. She also loved reading and word search puzzles. She was a faithful communicant of Jesus Savior Church, Newport, RI.

Betty was truly a beautiful person, known for her warmth, willingness to help and sense of humor. She brought light and joy to those around her and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her sister Hilda Sullivan of California and predeceased by her siblings Russell Ferreira, Joseph Ferreira, Mariano Ferreira Jr., Evelyn Riley and Margaret Nunes.

On behalf of the family, heartfelt thanks are extended to the compassionate staff at Village House Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for their overwhelming kindness and support.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. Funeral services will be held on Saturday February 14, 2026 at 9:00 from Memorial Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian burial at Jesus Saviour Church at 10:00a.m. followed by a chapel service at St. Columba Chapel, 465 Brown's Lane, Middletown, RI 02842, where Mary will be laid to rest.

Donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org. Additional information may be found at www.memorialfuneralhome.com.