Andre Eleanor Silva went to be with the Lord, peacefully, surrounded by family on April 29th at Rolling Hills Healthcare. Andre was born July 13, 1941, in Lead, SD to Josephine (Noda) nee Crestodina Silva (b. Lead) and Andrew Silva (b. Italy).
Andre attended K-10th grade at St. Patrick’s School until it closed, then graduated from Lead High School in 1960. She attended college at Presentation College of Aberdeen, then lived and taught school at St. Richard’s School in Richfield, MN and taught one year at St. Ambrose School in Deadwood, SD. She returned to school to earn her Bachelor’s Degree at Mt. Marty in Yankton, SD. She taught various grades and classes at Central Elementary School in Lead for 31 years until her retirement. She was especially honored to have been named to “Who’s Who in America Teachers.” Andre was a member of St. Patrick’s Parish and the Altar Society. For a time, she taught CCD, served as a Eucharistic Minister, was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Teacher’s Organization and a longtime member of the Lead-Deadwood Education Association.
Throughout her life, Andre treasured her Catholic faith, her family, her Italian heritage, her lifelong residency in Lead, her many students and her beloved dog Gina.
She is survived by nephews, Andrew Silva of Rapid City, Steve (Bernadette) Silva of Avon, OH, Tom (Karen d. 2022) Silva of Fremont, NE, Peter Silva of Lead, Anthony (Betsy) Silva of Spearfish, Patrick and Michael Silva, both of Vancouver, WA and Bernie (Sheila) Silva of Milwaukee, WI; nieces, Cathy (Chuck) Silva of Helena, MT, Mary (Bob) Shepard of Prospect, CT and Connie Silva of Belle Fourche; great nephews, John Silva of Cleveland, OH, Joe (Jennifer Jones) Silva of Philadelphia, PA; great nieces, Ellen (Matt Sanford) Shepard of Watertown, CT, Andrea (Josh Klebanoff) Silva of Acton, MA, Pina (RP) Bryan of Belle Fourche, SD. She leaves multiple great nieces and nephews. As well as special cousins, Mary and Bob Sjomeling of Deadwood, Francis and Kathy Toscana of Rapid City and a large cherished extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother John Silva and wife, Ellen, niece Margaret Silva, and nephew Christopher Silva.
Vigil will be held at 6:00PM on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Lead. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the church. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Lead.
Memorial donations may be made to Carmelite Monastery, Alexandria, SD.
Arrangements are under the care of Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead.
