Obituary for Teri L. Silva
Teri L. Silva, loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister peacefully passed away on April 16, 2023 at the age of 61 surrounded by her family. Teri was born on December 7, 1961, in Manchester, CT.
Teri is survived by her husband of 20 years, Dennis Silva; her mother, Judith (Zaches) Brooks; and her sisters, Karen (Brooks) and Robert Murphy and Ellen (Brooks) and John Tedford. Teri was preceded in death by her father, Jerome Brooks. Teri was also the devoted mother to her five children, Heather (Rasulis) Souto, Justin Rasulis, Audrey (and Duane) Milne, Alison (and Colin) Silva, and Dennis Jr. (and Tekhara) Silva, and a beloved grandmother to Jasper, Lucas, Andrew, Cora, and Madelyn, and was awaiting her sixth grandchild due this summer.
Outside of her family, Teri was most passionate about all-things horses. Through her passion she touched the lives of many people around the world. Her love of horses was passed down to her daughter Heather, where you could always catch her by the side of the ring or polo field, enthusiastically cheering her on. Teri eventually founded her own breeding program in 2005 where she went on to produce Nationally ranked bloodlines in the Miniature and Shetland disciplines. Teri also enjoyed building her and Dennis’ dream home and farm, cultivating her award-winning gardens, foaling her mares, and attending to the needs of her ever-growing family. She cherished her time with her family, including close relationships with her godson Ryan (and Kristy) Murphy, great aunt to Cayden, and her niece Meghan Murphy. She always fondly talked of her cousins, friends and most recently her grandchildren, who affectionately referred to her as Mema. She spoiled her grandchildren limitlessly, paid attention to every detail, procured the most fashionable attire, and kid essentials. Her role as Grandmother was truly a labor of love and a source of immense pleasure and pride. Teri’s family and friends take comfort in knowing that her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched. In true Teri fashion, she set the bar high for all to follow.
Teri was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and faced the illness with profound bravery and strength. Her selfless love and generosity will remain an inspiration to all for generations to come. She will be deeply missed.
A visitation will be held on Friday April 21, 2023 from 4:00pm-6:00pm at the Burke-Fortin Pietras Funeral Home in Rockville, CT followed by a private burial. Teri will be laid to rest at Saint Bernard’s Cemetery in Vernon, CT. Donations in Teri’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Teri is survived by her husband of 20 years, Dennis Silva; her mother, Judith (Zaches) Brooks; and her sisters, Karen (Brooks) and Robert Murphy and Ellen (Brooks) and John Tedford. Teri was preceded in death by her father, Jerome Brooks. Teri was also the devoted mother to her five children, Heather (Rasulis) Souto, Justin Rasulis, Audrey (and Duane) Milne, Alison (and Colin) Silva, and Dennis Jr. (and Tekhara) Silva, and a beloved grandmother to Jasper, Lucas, Andrew, Cora, and Madelyn, and was awaiting her sixth grandchild due this summer.
Outside of her family, Teri was most passionate about all-things horses. Through her passion she touched the lives of many people around the world. Her love of horses was passed down to her daughter Heather, where you could always catch her by the side of the ring or polo field, enthusiastically cheering her on. Teri eventually founded her own breeding program in 2005 where she went on to produce Nationally ranked bloodlines in the Miniature and Shetland disciplines. Teri also enjoyed building her and Dennis’ dream home and farm, cultivating her award-winning gardens, foaling her mares, and attending to the needs of her ever-growing family. She cherished her time with her family, including close relationships with her godson Ryan (and Kristy) Murphy, great aunt to Cayden, and her niece Meghan Murphy. She always fondly talked of her cousins, friends and most recently her grandchildren, who affectionately referred to her as Mema. She spoiled her grandchildren limitlessly, paid attention to every detail, procured the most fashionable attire, and kid essentials. Her role as Grandmother was truly a labor of love and a source of immense pleasure and pride. Teri’s family and friends take comfort in knowing that her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched. In true Teri fashion, she set the bar high for all to follow.
Teri was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and faced the illness with profound bravery and strength. Her selfless love and generosity will remain an inspiration to all for generations to come. She will be deeply missed.
A visitation will be held on Friday April 21, 2023 from 4:00pm-6:00pm at the Burke-Fortin Pietras Funeral Home in Rockville, CT followed by a private burial. Teri will be laid to rest at Saint Bernard’s Cemetery in Vernon, CT. Donations in Teri’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.