Matilde Silva Gonzales

Maria Matilde Silva Gonzales, age 89, passed peacefully at her home in Rio Rancho, NM into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on May 4^th. Her daughters Rose and Terry were by her side.

Matilde was born on April 24, 1934, in Nazas, Durango, Mexico to Francisco Silva and Eulalia Ramos Vasquez Silva. She was the mother to four children – Tomas Silva, Francisco Silva (Joyce L. Silva), Rose Silva-Smith (Dr. Roderick Smith) and Teresa Vasquez (Rick Vasquez).

In 1963 Matilde moved her family and her mother to Las Cruces where they lived for several years. She met and married Frank Gonzales, and they eventually moved to Albuquerque, and retired in Rio Rancho.

Matilde enjoyed beautiful things – her vibrant clothing, gardening, growing indoor flowers, and appreciated all of God’s creation. She enjoyed keeping her home meticulously clean and inviting. She loved her neighborhood friendships. Martha who lived next door was like a daughter to her, and her children were bonus grandchildren. She adored her beloved Shih tzu, Chiquita who stayed faithfully by her side until she passed. Her morning routine included sipping her coffee and watching her two parakeets sing, reflecting as she gazed out her window with the view of the Sandia Mountains. She loved to read her Bible every day, and especially loved the Book of Psalms. She was our family’s matriarch and prayer warrior who will forever live in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Frank Gonzales, both of her sons, Tomas and Frank Silva, as well as her granddaughter Anjelica Silva-Amaya, two great grandsons, and one great-great grandson.  She is survived by her two daughters, Rose Silva-Smith (Dr. Roderick Smith), Teresa L. Vasquez (Rick Vasquez) 11 grandchildren 37 great grandchildren, 32 great-great grandchildren.

Our family would like to thank our extended family members that loved her so well, and her amazing neighbors and special friends who came to visit with her during her final days on this earth. She always met her visitors with a bright smile and outstretched arms.

The life celebration service is scheduled for Tuesday, May 16^th at Daniels’ Funeral Home, 4310 Sara Rd, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Visitation will begin at 9AM and the service will begin at 11AM. There will be a reception following the service, location to be announced.