Helen Silver

Helen Bavely Silver-a eulogy by Shelton J. Merrill and Melody Ann Silver, son and daughter. Our Mother, We are assembled here to not just mourn my mother’s passing but to also celebrate her life. She was one of twelve children born to Dominic and Anna Bavely-Soppa who immigrated in 1904 from Russano, Italy to Monongah, West Virginia and she was born in 1916. I can only imagine the hardships that they endured as immigrates to this Country. But, they did endure and prospered as have their prodigy-which we are a part of. As all who knew her will admit to her kindness, humor and willingness to accept others without judgment. Her brothers and sisters always referred to her as “Mish.” As near as I could tell this was an affectionate Italian way of saying that she was special. As a young nurse in training during World War II, she contracted TB from our returning warriors and spent one year in a hospital until her recovery. But this did not discourage her and she went forward---never looking back. She taught these values to me, my sister, brothers and all who knew her and we live these values today by honoring our Grandfather, Grandmother and our fathers and mothers. In my opinion, they were all sainted in their own way and I loved them all. Growing-up in the Bavely Soppa family was truly a walk through history. She is survived by four children, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Helen Silver please visit our Sympathy Store.