Nancy Silva

Nancy Silva passed away at home on Monday, January 16th, 2023 after a yearlong battle with cancer. There are no words to describe the love and joy she shared in her 61 years on this Earth. While we are saddened by the loss of an incredible woman, mother, sister, daughter and friend we find comfort in knowing she handled her diagnosis with a grace and acceptance that inspired all of us.

Nancy was born on March 30th, 1961 in Chicago. From a very young age she loved being around people and was quickly nicknamed “Nancy Gabber Hammer” by her uncle because of how much she loved to talk. Nancy was also a compassionate listener and made every person she interacted with feel special. She could make friends with anyone and she did.

She attended Forest View High School in Arlington Heights and graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago pharmacy school in 1986. As a hospital pharmacist for over three decades she took pride in her profession and provided excellent care to countless patients. According to her coworkers, she was a joyful and fun personality to have in the pharmacy. Watching her daughter, Mariana, follow in her footsteps and pursue pharmacy was one of her biggest sources of pride.

Nancy had many passions including community gardening, collecting orchids, caring for her cats, snorkeling, playing backgammon and finding the best homes on AirBnB for vacations. One of her biggest passions though was food and cooking. Something she looked forward to in the afterlife was sitting down for a delicious and decadent dinner. She said everyone is invited.

She was proud to be designated a “Safety Silva” due to her diligence in making sure her daughters and their friends were always safe, even if it seemed like overkill to them. Lastly, Nancy had a unique and goofy sense of humor, always being the first to laugh at her own jokes.

Nancy was a devoted and beloved mother to Mariana and Elena (Matt), a caring wife to Stephen and loving daughter of Helen and the late Edward Meyer. Nancy also leaves her cherished sister Pat (the late Joseph) Zimmermann, dear brothers Steven (Jeany) Meyer and the late Robert Meyer. In addition, she was a kind aunt to several nieces and nephews and will be missed by her caring in-laws, the New York Silvas. Finally, she is survived by her kitties, Buddha and Leah and preceded in death by the late BooBoo and Dolly. Cremation is private at the Countryside Crematory. A celebration of life will be held at Pinstripes South Barrington, January 28th for friends and family with an open house between 1 and 5pm. The eulogy will be given at 3pm.
If you are considering a memorial, please consider Food for Greater Elgin, 1553 Commerce Dr. Elgin, IL 60123, or www.foodforgreaterelgin.org , where Nancy volunteered her time.