Kathleen Joy Shannon-Silva, born July 15, 1958, was a simple woman who prioritized her family and those wanting help above all else. She did so selflessly.

On Sunday, 8/27/23, at the age of 65, she took her final breath with the children she brought life to at her bedside.

She saw the best in others, did not pass judgment, and was a living example of a strong, independent woman. She did not let barriers stop her from doing the best she could to work to ensure her kids had a better life and more opportunities than she and her siblings, Daniel Shannon and Linda Shannon, and extended family in Texas did growing up in poverty.

Nothing was handed to her. She worked with her late husband, Eduardo V. Silva, to slowly build what little they had. At the age of six, she worked in the fields during summers picking prunes. She often had to move based on the hardships her family endured throughout her youth. Beginning at the age of 18, she dedicated over 22 years of her career at American Home Foods, as the first female retort operator, until its closing. She survived a grueling year of breast cancer treatment as a single mom after her husband died years prior and worked various jobs until her diagnosis of Alzheimer's beginning at the age of 58.

She was a custodian for the last several years for SBM at Genentech until her unfortunate diagnosis. She enjoyed the people she worked with.

She, like many other parents, worked not for herself, but for her kids. If it wasn't for her striving to survive and support her children, the cycle of generational poverty would have continued. She was proud of her son, Michael Silva, daughter, Sabrina Silva, and her grandchildren, Nathaniel, Kennedy, Jovanni, and Benjamin.

There is a lot we don't know "why" things happen in life. We don't know why bad things happen to good people. But, as Kathy would always say, "Just try your best! It's all you can do."

We pray her loving spirit continues to look over all those struggling and working for a better life. We pray that her kindness and genuine ability to see the best in others is infectious to those she was there for in their time of need. And we pray the JOY she brought to those she loved is shared and passed on for generations to come.

There will be a gravesite service on Friday 9/15/23 at 10 a.m. at the Vacaville-Elmira Cemetery where she will be laid to eternal rest with her deceased husband. A reception at Green River Brewery and Taproom in Winters afterward. All are welcome!

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In lieu of donations to help with funeral costs, please consider donating to a fund and supporting a public mural to recognize and celebrate all women who strive to support their families at all costs, just as Kathleen did. Reach out to michaelsilva315@gmail as more details are coming.