Elder Debbie Silva passed away peacefully in her home on March 6th 2018. She was being cared for by her brother Mike and her uncle and aunt Bill and Gayle Alley. Debbie was diagnosed with ALS around one year ago.
Debbie was born December 20th 1955 to Ed and Nancy Silva. She was raised in San Jose, CA. Debbie graduated in 1974 from Andrew P. Hill High. After graduating high school Debbie attended Santa Clara University from 1974 to 1978 receiving a bachelor’s degree in English. She loved languages and loved the challenge that language presented.
Debbie went to work for several electronics companies in Silicon Valley. In the 1990’s Debbie joined Bridgeware, a startup company that was later acquired by a larger company. Her expertise in human resources, finance and management was put to great use in the church. After the passing of her grandmother in 2005, Debbie moved to Alabama in 2007 to be near to her surviving family.
Debbie had always been an avid crafter and traveler, making several trips to Europe over the years, Italy was here favorite. Debbie’s crafting talents were well known styles from Gene dolls to painting. She painted a beautiful mural on the wall of the youth room at Grace Community Church. Her true passion was quilting and most people knew her as “Quilter Deb”. She made many quilts over the years and gifted them to many friends and family. She was widely known for her quilting designs and won many accolades. Debbie currently has a Lion King quilt that is a finalist in a national competition and will be displayed across the country.
Debbie was a faithful Christian and she was a dutiful Elder at Grace Community Church. She worked with the church finances and was a great steward of God’s work. Debbie also served as Session Clerk. She will be greatly missed by the Grace Community family
In late 2017 Debbie was diagnosed with ALS. She worked hard to stay active during this time. Her condition did not stop her from serving humanity. Debbie is survived by her Brother Mike and his Wife Barbara, Aunt Gale and Uncle Bill, Cousins Sherri and Vince Verzosa, Scott, Laurie Alley, Todd Alley, Melody Aimar and numerous friends and church family. Her services were held at Grace Community Church on Saturday March 17th at 11am. Grace Community Church will truly miss Debbie. Her contributions to the church were monumental. Many thanks to the Women's Ministry for preparing and serving food to the family during the repast.