(914) 337-6770
info@mcgrathandson.com
20 Cedar Street, Bronxville, NY - 10708

Silva, Desdemona Yolanda December 2, 1939 - October 4, 2025

Desdemona Yolanda Silva, known to her family and friends as Yolanda, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, surrounded by her family.

She is one of eight brothers and sisters and is survived by her loving and devoted husband, James Silva; her children, Michele Thomas (Richard), James Silva Jr, and Frederick Silva (Amanda); and her cherished grandchildren, Zane, Anna, Ella, and Harry; as well as her sister, Milagros, and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Yolanda immigrated from the Dominican Republic in the 1960s and followed her love of science into the field of microbiology, which led to her to a distinguished career at university hospitals and at Pace University where she formed lasting friendships and was admired for her kindness, professionalism, and steady guidance.

Yolanda and her beloved husband, Jim, loved dancing together, gardening, and the world of birds – especially the cardinals in their garden. She was also a spirited traveler who, together with her husband, enjoyed countless vacations and cruises throughout the world. She called Westchester her home for the last 50 years and was proud to raise her family there, surrounded by friends and neighbors whose lives were brightened by her presence.

She was passionate about family, community, and education. She was devout in her faith and prayed daily for the strength, health, and happiness of others. The world is truly a better place for all that were blessed to know her.

Calling Hours: 3 to 7 pm, Thursday, October 9, 2025

Mass: 9:45 am, Friday, October 10, 2025 at St. Joseph's Church, Bronxville

in Lieu of Flowers: We are grateful for your consideration to make a donation in memory of Desdemona Silva to the NY Presbyterian Westchester Emergency Services Capital Fund in support of building the first ever dedicated pediatric emergency room https://give.nyp.org/give/490787#!/donation/checkout

or

via check to NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester (in the name of Desdemona Y. Silva for “Emergency Services Capital Fund”) mailed to: New York-Presbyterian Westchester
Office of Development PH6, 55 Palmer Avenue,Bronxville, NY 10708

Condolences(13)

  1. REPLY
    Jerry Lenaz says
    October 6, 2025 at 7:01 pm

    My deepest sympathies Fred, Jim and the rest of the Silva krewe. My thoughts and smiles of her memory go out to you all.

  2. REPLY
    Larissa Jiménez Martínez says
    October 7, 2025 at 5:21 pm

    My dear Aunt Ñaña lived with a grace and generosity that illuminated the lives of so many. I hope we celebrate your life with pride, remembering the light and love you always shared with everyone.
    Although you are no longer physically with us, your memory and love live on in our hearts.
    We will miss your laughter, your hugs, your anecdotes, and your wise words. You will always be part of our history, and your legacy will live on through the memories we shared.
    Rest in peace, dear aunt. We will always remember you with affection and gratitude.
    With love,
    Your sister Milagros and your nieces Larissa and Karla from the Dominican Republic

    Mi querida tía Ñaña, vivió con una gracia y generosidad que iluminó la vida de tantos. Espero que celebremos tu vida con orgullo, recordando la luz y el amor que siempre compartiste con todos
    Aunque ya no estás fisicamente entre nosotros, tu recuerdo y tu amor perduran en nuestros corazones.
    Extrañaremos tus risas, tus abrazos y tus anécdotas y palabras sabias. Siempre serás parte de nuestra historia y tu legado vivirá a través de las memorias que compartimos.
    Descansa en paz, querida tia. Siempre te recordaremos con cariño y gratitud.
    Con amor,
    Tu hermana Milagros y tus sobrinas Larissa y Karla desde República Dominicana

  3. REPLY
    Janet Tinari says
    October 7, 2025 at 7:06 pm

    Dear Jim and Family,
    May your family, faith and friends console you at this difficult time. I will always remember Yolanda for her thoughtfulness, care and wonderful sense of humor. She always had us laughing. What a wonderful friend and neighbor. I will always cherish the memories I have of Yolanda! May she rest in peace in God’s arms.

  4. REPLY
    Cindy Brown says
    October 8, 2025 at 10:09 am

    The only way to explain Yolanda is love and sunshine!
    I’m going to miss her stories about our family growing up together so much.
    Heaven is a nice place today❤️

    • REPLY
      Alba Rodriguez says
      October 9, 2025 at 9:47 am

      Yolanda(ñaña) the name conjures love, support, generosity,companionship,sisterhood and lots of laughter. My comadre was quite famous both here and in Santo Domingo as per her unique personality Laughter, secondary to being fed was a definite ritual when you visited her home, I was laughing the other day remembering one of her high jinks during our youth.
      Although not here physically, you will livei on in anyone’s mind who was privileged to know you.
      My deepest sympathy to your devoted husband Jimmy and your three wonderful children. May God grant you peace..Thank you for all your support during a lifetime. God’s speed my friend/comadre

  5. REPLY
    Cindy Brown says
    October 8, 2025 at 10:12 am

    The only way to explain Yolanda is sunshine and love!
    I’m going to miss all her stories about our two families growing up together so much.
    Heaven is a nicer place today and I know my mom was waiting for her with open arms❤️

  6. REPLY
    Paul & Doria Stefanou says
    October 8, 2025 at 10:32 am

    Dear Silva Family, We are so sorry to hear about Yolanda’s passing. She was such a wonderful, kind and caring person. We feel so blessed to have met her and we will always remember her. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. May she rest in peace.

  7. REPLY
    Evelyn Gonzalez says
    October 8, 2025 at 3:50 pm

    I have such wonderful memories of Tita Yolanda from my childhood — she was like family to us. She and my father shared the same birthday, which always made that day extra special. Even if we hadn’t spoken for a while, she would always reach out on Facebook to ask how I was doing — that was just the kind of thoughtful, caring person she was. She was truly a wonderful lady, deeply loved, and she will be greatly missed.

  8. REPLY
    Gertrudis Gonzalez says
    October 8, 2025 at 4:01 pm

    Dear Silva Family,
    We send our deepest condolences on the passing of Yolanda. She and Chilo were very close, and we will always treasure the moments we shared together. Yolanda will remain in our hearts forever. May she rest in peace.

    With love,
    Gertrudis Gonzalez & Family

  9. REPLY
    Janice Watson says
    October 8, 2025 at 9:07 pm

    Carolyn, girl you are at a better place today. May your sweet loving soul rest in peace. Our conversation Two (2) weeks ago was we hope to see each other soon.

  10. REPLY
    Cindy Winter says
    October 8, 2025 at 9:50 pm

    Fred and Family,

    I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Sending our deepest condolences to you and your family.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

    With much Love,
    Cindy and Family

  11. REPLY
    Barbara, Garner, Audra, Janna, Ryan & children says
    October 9, 2025 at 11:45 am

    Yoli , Our deepest gratitude for you ! Youve shared your gifts of unconditional love, joy of life, compassionate acts of kindness, and brilliance with my family and all who know you! With the support of you Jimmy and your loving.family we all enjoy warm and cherished neighborhood activities. Never to forget the gourmet meals you always prepared. You live in our hearts and minds always! Love to you, Jimmy and the family!

  12. REPLY
    Daniel Bato says
    October 9, 2025 at 1:04 pm

    Sincere condolences to Jim and family. Extremely sorry for your loss. May her soul rest in peace and may a choir of angels accompany Yolanda to her heavenly abode with the righteous and just!
    Your neighbors Norma and Daniel Bato

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Fred H McGrath & Son, Inc. is a third generation; family owned and operated Funeral Home. Located in the Village of Bronxville, the McGrath family has been serving the surrounding communities of Bronxville, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Mt. Vernon, Yonkers and Scarsdale since 1918.

Location

20 Cedar Street
Bronxville, NY 10708

Phone: (914) 337-6770
Fax: (914) 337-8055
E-Mail: info@mcgrathandson.com

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