Obituary of Catherine M. "Kay" Silvia

Catherine Mary "Kay" Silvia, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, just 30 hours after the passing of her beloved son, Richard. She was 88 years old.

Kay was born in Somerville, MA, to Peter and Maryellen Fraser, and was raised in Cambridge, where she graduated from Cambridge Latin High School. It was in Cambridge, at just 12 years old, that she met her future husband, Richard Silvia. Their homes were across the street from one another, and what began as a childhood friendship blossomed into a deep, lifelong love. After dating throughout high school, Kay and Dick were married at St. Peter’s Church in Cambridge when she was 20 and he was 21. They shared 62 years of love and devotion until Dick’s passing in 2018.

Together, they built a wonderful life—raising a beautiful family, cultivating a tight-knit circle of friends, and traveling the world. Kay eagerly joined Dick on his business trips, and together they explored destinations across Europe, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and more. In retirement, they spent their winters in Florida, savoring the warmth and relaxation of their favorite place.

For Kay, family was the heart of her world. She was always there for her children—whether it was comforting them through scraped knees, driving them to activities, cheering them on from the stands at sports events, or supporting their every endeavor. Summers were often filled with vacations on Long Island, NY, and lazy afternoons in the backyard pool, where the laughter of her children and grandchildren filled the air.

When Kay became a "Nana," her heart swelled with joy. She loved every moment spent with her seven grandchildren, whether hosting them for babysitting or planning fun-filled days in the pool. There were times when all seven grandchildren were together at once, and her heart was full as she kept them entertained, letting their parents enjoy a well-deserved night out. Nothing brought Kay more happiness than being surrounded by her family.

Kay had a wide range of talents and interests that brought her great joy. She was an avid reader, a skilled golfer, and a talented seamstress, capable of creating everything from clothing to draperies. Her creative spirit extended to cake decorating, where she would craft beautiful cakes for family birthdays, and to ceramics, where she made everything from holiday decorations to whimsical novelty items. Kay was also a master of knitting, needlepoint, cross-stitch, and almost every craft imaginable. She loved hosting family gatherings and holidays, decorating with care and ensuring every detail was perfect. While she took charge of the preparations, Dick was always there to handle the cooking. Their shared efforts made every event special.

Kay cherished her many friendships and loved spending time with her dear friends. Her life was full of love, laughter, and precious memories. Though her passing came as a shock to her family, they find comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with Dick and her son, Rick.

Kay will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

Kay was the loving mother of the late Rick Silvia.  She was also a sister of the late Mary Fraser, Henry Fraser, and Helen Oliver.

Surviving Kay are her children, Tom Silvia and his wife Sue of Jackson, NH, Linda Hebert and her husband Paul Goss of N. Chelmsford; her daughter in law, Susan Silvia of Burlington; her grandchildren, Rick Silvia and his wife Tayla, Jason Silvia and his wife Hannah, Michael Silvia and his wife Kirsten Ranheim, David Hebert and his wife Alexis, Matthew Hebert and his wife Nikki, Christopher Silvia, and Michelle Bryant and her husband Tim, as well as many other dear nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass for Kay on Wednesday, January 8^th at 10 a.m. at St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington.  As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in Kay’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.