Annie Silva

Annie Silva is missed, remembered, and deeply loved as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who unceasingly offered the gift of her heart to everyone she encountered. Her gifts were many—generous giving, yes—but perhaps most remarkable was her extraordinary capacity to receive and truly cherish others.

Faithfulness to Jesus was at the very heart of who she was, and it poured out in her profound love for her husband Tony, her attentive care for each soul before her, and her strength and perseverance in both good times and bad. Even as her memory declined and she could no longer respond to simple questions, when asked to affirm her faith, she never hesitated—a solemn nod followed immediately by a smile. What a gift this was for her family to witness in her final months when visited by her pastor.

For over 66 years, she was faithful to and inseparable from her beloved Tony. She delighted in him, and he in her, their love growing deeper year after year. Annie had a deep, devoted love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She never failed to offer the love of God, affectionate kisses, and a joyful “Ay, mijita/mijito,” alongside the best tortillas, bacon and eggs, and a cookie jar always full of her famous oatmeal cookies. She sacrificed without complaint, embracing hidden, constant acts of service, and continued learning her faith well into her later years. We recently discovered a certificate of completion for a course on Jesus Christ that she commuted 60 miles to attend in the 1990s—likely to deepen her faith so she could better pass it on to her grandbabies.

She served all her life—her family, the forgotten in local nursing homes, and even the stranger in the church pew. The only thing that stopped her from helping at her parish was a fall due to balance issues, and even then, she had to be told to take care of herself before she’d finally step back.

Though she knew suffering, Annie was defined by joy. As she gradually lost physical abilities and became more dependent on others, her smile only grew more radiant. Known all her life for her tender heart and tears of joy, even these gave way in her final months to a peaceful, sweet smile—a testament to a love stronger than any loss, and a faith that transcends all barriers.

While her passing on October 16th, in this Jubilee Year of Hope, is a source of deep grief for the family so blessed by her life, there is peace in the hope that her joy will now never end, as she enters into eternity with the One she loved and to whom she sought to give her entire earthly life.

Annie is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years; her three children: Mark (Sherry), Evelyn Moseley (John), Teresa Sanderson (Greg), her grandchildren: Jessica Barnard (Ryan) and Ethan Silva; Spencer, Sister Magdalene, Logan, Emily, and Brianna Moseley; Matthew (Aubrey) Dunlap, Carley (Nick) Smith, Courtney Sanderson, Josh (Krista) Sanderson, and Brooke Sanderson; as well as a host of precious great grandchildren.

Finally, there are no words to express our gratitude for the tender, merciful care poured out on our mother by the staff at Presbyterian Village. May each member of their team be blessed beyond measure for every act of kindness shown to her in her final season. We are also deeply grateful to the Christ The King pastors and the faithful friends who journeyed alongside us throughout this time — your prayers, presence, and encouragement have been a sustaining grace, and we thank God for each of you.

A Visitation and Rosary will be held on Tuesday, October 21st from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church in Little Rock. Internment at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery immediately following.