Antonia Rosario Nieves, 87, Matriarch of Her Family

She was born March 6, 1925 in Morovis, Puerto Rico. She came to Lorain with her spouse in 1951. As a widow at the age of 42, she raised her nine children on her own. She worked for Avon Oaks Nursing Home and St. Joseph Hospital until she retired in 1982.

Antonia was admired and respected as the Matriarch of her family. She was a devout Catholic, a member of the Sociedad de Damas (Women’s Society), a Cursillista (A Course in Christianity), and a Eucharistic Minister at Sacred Heart Chapel, Lorain. Antonia was gifted in prayer recital. She enjoyed gardening, loved to cook for her family and enjoyed being in the company of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She always promoted peace and family unity. Antonia’s proud love for her family was unconditional. She genuinely supported and inspired her grandchildren to succeed. Her family will remember her warm and welcoming home, her nurturing, patience and forgiving heart.

Antonia is survived by her son, Miguel Rosario (Sandra) of Orlando, FL; daughters, Norma Rosario-Carde (Francis) of Goodyear, AZ, Nancy Montanez (Daniel) of Elk River, MN, Nayda Rosario-Silva, Evelyn Galarza, Marilyn Carrion (Robert), Nilda Rosario, Sylvia Ramos (Luis), and Isabel Aviles (Pablo) all of Lorain; 19 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; sisters, Ana Santos, Julia Velez, Maria Feliciano all of Lorain, Ramona Visalden and Gladys Figueroa both of Puerto Rico; brothers, Francisco Silva of Lorain, Luis Silva and Tadeo Silva II both of Puerto Rico.

Antonia was preceded in death by her husband, Alonso Rosario Nieves of Lorain in 1967; her parents, Manuel Silva and Sara Santos; brothers Enrique Silva, Eleuterio Silva and Tadeo Silva I, and sisters; Sarin Ocasio, Carmen Cordero, Luz Salgado and Lolita Silva.

Her family will receive friends Friday from 4 to 8 at Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday at 9:30 AM in the church. Rev. Father William A. Thaden, Pastor will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

Antonia’s family suggests memorial contributions to Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Avenue, Lorain, Ohio 44055.

Funeral arrangements are by Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain (440) 277-8164. For further information and online register book visit reidyfuneral.com.