Tributes

Michelle G. Silva, age 77, passed away peacefully at home on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Michelle was born on February 11, 1948, in Turlock, CA to Gordon and June Pool. Michelle was the youngest of 3 daughters. Affectionately known as Honey Bunny, Stanley, Michael, Mom, Mommy Mine, Michi, Mimi, and Auntie M., Michelle is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Gregory Silva; her beloved sisters, Sandy Loustalot-Smith, Linda Moore (Don), and her “Sissanie,” Melanie Strangle (Rick), and the Hoyt family. She is also survived by her children: Geoffrey Silva, Rachel Ayres (Teddy), Shannon Allbee (Don), and Ryan Silva (Marta); her grandchildren, Sarah Thorpe, Mikayla Angle, Lauren Huff (Chuck), Brianna Allbee, Parris Ayres, Taylor Plaster (Cameron), Farrah Quint (Cody), Kamryn Allbee, and Grayden Allbee; her eight great-grandchildren; and numerous treasured nieces and nephews. Michelle’s greatest source of pride was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to being an anchoring presence in their lives, offering unwavering guidance, support, and an abundance of love at every stage of their journeys. She navigated a six-year journey with cancer, met with grace, faith, and unwavering strength. During those six years, she continued to live fully and beautifully. She fulfilled cherished dreams—family trips to Sea Ranch, a memorable Hawaii vacation with her sisters, and peaceful beach getaways shared with dear family and friends. She embraced adventure with a joyful spirit, from kayaking in Oregon to horseback riding in Kennedy Meadows, exploring nature, watching sunsets, and savoring quiet moments of simple beauty. She took up painting at age 73 and discovered she had a natural artistic ability. Above all, her most treasured milestone was celebrating her Golden Wedding Anniversary with her beloved husband, Greg Silva, surrounded by more than 80 friends and family. Michelle attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and Turlock High School before embarking on a remarkable adventure with her parents—traveling by ocean freighter to Europe and ultimately living for a year on the island of Mallorca, Spain. Michelle and Greg (a Golf Professional) shared a joyful labor of love through Silva Golf Tours, hosting and coordinating unforgettable golf trips for more than 35 years. Together, they created cherished experiences in destinations such as Hawaii, Mexico, Sea Ranch, Santa Cruz, Plumas Pines, and many more. Michelle delighted in being both a member and a creator of many women’s spiritual groups that brought her deep comfort, connection, and joy. From her Diamonds to her Goddesses, her Sisters of Light, and so many others, she helped cultivate circles of wisdom, support, and love. She was an avid reader of self-help and spiritual literature, rarely seen without a book in hand or without sharing a meaningful passage from one of her cherished authors. Michelle was a devoted student of Astrology and grew into an accomplished Astrologer, offering insight and guidance to many over the years. She also became a professional color analyst, helping people discover the wardrobe and makeup palettes that brought out their most authentic beauty. An entrepreneur at heart, she owned her own apparel business and thrived in creative, people-centered work. Some of her favorite memories came from her years as a bartender at the SOS Club—where she met her husband, Greg—and later as a waitress at The Vintage Restaurant in Modesto, where she delighted customers and formed lifelong friendships. Michelle touched countless lives simply by being herself—offering encouragement, humor, and warmth to everyone around her. What people remember most is her remarkable ability to be fully present, making each person she spent time with feel truly seen, heard, and valued. May her memory continue to be a source of comfort and light to all who knew and loved her.

Tributes

Michelle G. Silva

February 11, 1948 - November 27, 2025