Janeen Chavis

I'll never forget the first time I met Silvia in person. For months, I had only communicated with her via telephone. Silvia had a very distinctive voice - deep, rich, and rhythmic due to her Italian accent. One day, I attended a town hall type meeting in a large auditorium. I heard THE VOICE, and at once I knew it belonged to Silvia. I was determined to introduce myself in person. I was in shock when I turned around and spotted her in person. She certainly didn't match the image I had created in my mind!

Silvia helped me get through a difficult first year in a new position, and I will forever be grateful. She always had great advice/wisdom, kind wishes, and a bear hug to give. She also had a great sense of humor. The warmth and energy she exuded was palpable. A beautiful spirit indeed.

I'm so sorry that Silvia is no longer with us. She was a blessing to all, and I know she loved her family. Sincere condolences, and I will keep your family in my prayers.

Sincerely, Janeen Chavis

Nov 30, 2020

Patty Rogers

What a gift Silvia was to everyone who met her! Sending warmth and love to your family as I remember her doing for so many others 🙏

Nov 28, 2020

Karen Bergbauer

Sweet Silvia. Soar with the angels and watch over us. I will miss you dearly. xoxo

Nov 27, 2020

Joseph Hallman

Sylvia was a gift. We were blessed to have known her. Rick and family, sending you all love.

Nov 25, 2020

ilene ford

So sorry, Rick, that I emailed you instead of posting here. I loved your Silvia. She was like some kind of magician when it came to finding a classroom when there were no rooms to be found. She helped me out of every last minute work jam and never said no. And she somehow managed to laugh and joke and still be filled with warmth, even when she had to be thinking "are you effing kidding me??" And as if that weren't enough, she was even more amazing when it came to the really important (not work) stuff. Silvia made me laugh so much with her animated stories, and helped get me through the toughest of times (with hugs, compassion, advice and gelato at Capogiro). Just hearing her say "Allora..." at the beginning of every sentence made everything seem okay. God, I loved hearing her say that. The world (and my world) is a better place because Silvia was in it, and my heart is in pieces that she left us too soon. I know that she will live on in you and Elzo and Giulia, and I am sending all of you such big hugs and thanks for sharing your so-kind, adorable, funny, brilliant, passionate, amazing Silvia with all of us. xo, ilene

Nov 25, 2020

Joanna Casella

I am so sorry to hear of Silvia’s passing. My deepest condolences and prayers to her family. Silvia was a beautiful person with a beautiful smile that would light up the room. My fondest memory of Silvia was that she would only speak to me in Italian which I loved conversing with her when I would see her in the hallways of the Franklin Building or coming into work in the mornings. She would brighten up my day and put me in a better mood when chatting with her. Whenever she would see me from afar, I loved hearing her say to me ‘Ciao Giovanna, come stai?’ I loved chatting with her in Italian. She spoke beautifully! I loved her vibe, spirit, upbeat energy, personality and fashion. I am so glad to have known such a beautiful soul. Riposa in pace amica mia.

Nov 24, 2020

LeeAnn

Being a hair stylist, of course I want to post pictures of Silvia’s beautiful hair...I will miss her spirit ♥️

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Nov 24, 2020

Maryellen Malek

I loved working with Silvia in the Registrar's Office, and later in her position with Religious Studies. Her energy, kindness and beautiful smile were always a source of joy whenever we would talk on the phone or meet for lunch. My thoughts are with all of her family at this time.

Nov 24, 2020

Elizabeth Gillstrom

Silvia was a beautiful soul who brought joy to the ordinary workday. I loved that I could ditch the typical dry email exchange and just call her on the phone to problem-solve aloud together. My favorite expression of hers when we she would call a building, "...as full as an egg!" Sending love and light to her family as you grieve. I am so very sorry.

Nov 24, 2020

Darlene Jackson

I was fortunate to work with Silvia at the University of PA. I will always remember her bubbly personality. Her voice was so energetic and she was a joy to have to interact with. May you all cherish her precious memories.

Nov 24, 2020