Tillie Silva passed away peacefully at the age of 100 on May 26, 2025 at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson. Born at home in San Francisco to Samuel and Lena Castro, she and her family soon settled in Daly City, where she lived with her parents and her brother, Joseph. She developed several lifelong friendships with the kids in her neighborhood, including her best friend, Gerry Barile.
After graduating from Jefferson High School in Daly City, Tillie became a legal secretary and later worked as an office supervisor for Standard Oil in San Francisco. Although she was an extremely responsible and efficient secretary, she always made time for fun, whether it be during an office party with the girls or shopping on her lunch hour. She took advantage of all that San Francisco had to offer, spending her free time as an usher at the opera and taking voice lessons.
In 1957, she and her girlfriend, Irma, took a vacation to Hoberg’s, a resort in Lake County. It was there where she met her future husband, Joseph, on the dance floor, most likely after singing one of her signature tunes with Sal Carson’s band.
Tillie and Joseph were married in 1959, moving to Escalon soon after. A city girl at heart, it took some time for Tillie to adjust to living in a town that wasn’t even on the map yet! But she didn’t have much time to think about the city life she left behind because she was soon a full-time mother to Lynn and Robert.
Once her children reached school age, Tillie soon ventured back into the working world – this time starting as a teacher’s aide at Burwood Elementary School. Then an opportunity came up at the new El Portal Middle School, where Tillie became its first librarian. Although she received no formal training, being a librarian was an excellent fit for Tillie, due to her love of reading, education and children. In addition to inspiring students to read, she taught lessons in art appreciation, enriching the education of hundreds of students.
After retiring from El Portal, Tillie joined Denny Plotzker’s aerobics class, where she continued her love of dancing and socializing. Her travels took her to Hawaii, several countries along the Mediterranean coast, and as far as Italy, where she attended her nephew’s wedding.
Tillie is survived by her loving son, Robert Silva, and her loving daughter and son-in law, Lynn and Robert Galvan, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Silva, her parents, Samuel and Lena Castro, and her brother, Joseph Castro.
Tillie will always be remembered for her keen ability to listen, her positive spirit, her strong support for her family and friends, and was loved by all who knew her.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 10, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Deegan Funeral Chapel, 1441 San Joaquin Street, Escalon, CA. On Wednesday, June 11, funeral services will begin with a rosary at 10 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 19399 CA-120, Ripon, CA. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery.
Donations can be made in Tillie’s name to the Community Hospice and Health Services Foundation, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356. (209-578-6370)
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
June 4, 2025
