1929 - 2022
No Vistitation Date Scheduled
No Funeral Date Scheduled
Glenna L. Silva, 93, of North Chelmsford, formerly of Bedford, passed away at home on July 21, 2022, with her devoted daughter, Lisa, by her side.
She was the loving daughter of Arthur E. Sandberg and Inez M. (Stingel) Sandberg of Lexington, MA. Born in Somerville, MA, Glenna was the second of five children: Phyllis R. Sandberg (d. 2012), formerly of Lexington, MA; Richard A. Sandberg of Lexington, MA; Jean E. Tobey (d. 2019), formerly of Bridgewater, MA; and Bruce A. Sandberg of Charlton, MA.
Glenna graduated from Somerville High School in 1947 and went on to work in business. She married in 1950 and was a devoted mother to her four children: Janice E. Lewis (husband, Brian) of Orland Park, IL; Frank A. Silva III of Bozeman, MT; Lisa J. Silva of N. Chelmsford, MA; and Jeffrey A. Silva (d. 2008) formerly of N. Chelmsford, MA. She was joyously proud of her two grandchildren: Brian K. Lewis (wife, Rachel) of Springfield, IL, and Ashley S. Lewis of Orland Park, IL. Other surviving family include sister-in-law, Nancy (Loring) Sandberg of Charlton, MA; sister-in-law, Diane E. (Silva) Ashton of Liberty, TX; brother-in-law, Stephen M. Silva (wife, Kathy) of Kingwood, TX; cousin, Nancy (Arnold) Rourke of Lynden, WA; cousins in Sweden; and several nieces & nephews.
Warm, witty and outgoing with a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh, Glenna loved being with family and doting on her grandchildren. She was an amazing and knowledgeable cook, and always enjoyed sharing recipes and trying new ones. She especially loved baking (lots of delicious Swedish cookies) and contributing to a big family smorgasbord each holiday season. Glenna was an enthusiastic traveler; whether visiting relatives in Sweden; touring places in Europe; exploring the stunning Big Sky state of Montana and national parks with her son, Frank (even white-water rafting with him in Glacier National Park); sightseeing in and around the Great City of Chicago with her daughter, Janice and her family; or driving along the Maine coast with her daughter, Lisa, to visit family and to enjoy the natural beauty of the Downeast region, SummerKeys concerts in Lubec, local seafood, and wild blueberries. She loved gardening and bird watching; was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics; and was an active student of history, politics, and social justice. She had a wide, wonderful circle of friends, and happily spent several winters with many of them in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.
Glenna treasured her beloved family and friends, as we treasured her. Loyal, fun-loving, thoughtful and generous, she will be forever missed and remain always in our hearts.
FUNERAL NOTICE
Memorial services will be private. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her memory to AgeSpan (formerly known as Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and North Shore), www.agespan.org.
Polly Millen
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What a beautiful picture of and tribute to Glenna. She lived such a full life and I know she will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Polly
Susan Goldman Kaplan
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Dear Lisa and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the death of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Susan Goldman
Barbara DeBaryshe
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Aloha Glenn’s family,
Our mothers were stalwart friends. They supported each other when life was hard and enjoyed their phone calls and road trips. I’ve heard many stories of Maine, Montreal, and Montana. Peace to Glenna and to you all.
Pam Moyer
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Dear Lisa and family,
So sorry about you mom’s passing . She was an interesting, gracious lady and how I loved the fact that she was so involved with what was going on socially and politically. Kept up with everything! The world will be an emptier place without her!
Pam Moyer
Nice & Michael Greeley
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Dear Lisa & family,
Sorry to hear of Glenna’s passing. She was a great neighbor for many years. Always a laugh and a political chat to be had. She will be missed.
Nice & Michael Greeley