Maria Da Silva

Maria Pacheco da Silva, 92, of Orem, passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2020 surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Maria was born August 27, 1928, in Presidente Olegario, Minas Gerais, Brazil, to Francisco Antonio Pacheco and Balbina Rodrigues de Araujo. She married José Bonifacio da Silva, who preceded her in death on April 17, 2011.

From a young age, Maria was incredibly talented and industrious. She loved sewing, embroidering, painting, cooking, and dancing. Maria was a devoted and respectful daughter. She frequently helped her father care for their livestock and helped her mother prepare meals for the farmworkers. Maria had an energetic spirit and consistently sought opportunities to serve those around her.

She and José raised six beautiful children, who were the light of her life. Maria was the prime example of a loving mother, consistently caring and showing concern for everyone she encountered. Maria immigrated to Provo, Utah, from Brazil in 1993 with her granddaughter, who she raised like her own daughter, after her oldest daughter moved to Utah to pursue a graduate degree. She fell in love with the mountains and beautiful scenery in the state of Utah. Maria had a genuine and Christlike love for children. She embodied the traits of motherhood and nurtured everyone around her. She was a caretaker for many children in her lifetime, especially her own grandchildren. All children were drawn to her and would quickly grow to love her like their own grandmother.

Maria was an incredible cook and baker. She loved making food for everyone and would regularly bake cookies, sweet breads, cheese bread, and cakes to offer anyone who stopped by the house. She was known for her delicious treats by all who knew her and her family. Her tireless spirit of service was inspiring and is part of the beautiful legacy she left her family and friends.

As a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Maria fervently lived the principles of the gospel. She loved reading the scriptures and the manuals of the presidents of the Church. Her testimony of the gospel was vibrant and weaved throughout her life. Her strong testimony was consistently found on all pages of the many journals she filled throughout her life. Maria was a devoted disciple of the Savior and found great peace in attending the temple. She often lamented not being able to attend the temple regularly because of her progressing struggle with Alzheimer’s. Maria was a beautiful example of faith, virtue, and strength. She will be remembered by all for her kindness, service, and charity.

Maria is survived by her 6 children: Ernani (Michelle) Bonifacio of Vicente Pires, Brasilia, Brazil; Fatima Johnson of Orem, Utah; Ormezinda Silva of Orem, Utah; Maria José Silva of Orem, Utah; Elizabeth Whaley of Orem, Utah; Goretti (Joseph) Lima of Highland, Utah; 13 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband José; four sisters; four brothers; and two sons-in-law, LaVerl Johnson and Glenn Whaley.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 19, 2020, at 1pm at The Sundberg Olpin Mortuary located at 495 South State Street in Orem, Utah. A viewing for friends and family will be held Thursday morning from 11 to 12:45pm at the mortuary. Burial will be in the Orem City Cemetery following the services. Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.