Carmen B. Silva

May 21, 1937 – May 8, 2026

Carmen B. Silva passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026 and is now in the presence of our Lord. Carmen was born on May 21, 1937 in San Acacia, NM. Carmen grew up in the San Acacia, Lemitar, and Socorro areas and graduated from Socorro High School in 1956. 

She married Pedro (Pete) J. Silva on February 15, 1958 and enjoyed 60 years of marriage until his passing in 2018. Carmen adored her children, Angela V. Silva Marino (Richard), Kathy J. Silva, Peter J. Silva (deceased), Cecilio M. (Connie) Silva, and Miguel A. Silva (Michelle). 

During and after high school Carmen worked at the local Ben Franklin store, then at First State Bank until she became a stay-at-home mom to raise her children. She later sold Avon for almost 20 years and was affectionately known by many as the “Avon Lady”. 

In retirement she and Pete enjoyed traveling with the M Mountain Good Sam RV Club where they made many dear friends and enjoyed campouts around the Southwest, including Balloon Fiesta. She will always be remembered for her honesty, integrity, and wise words of wisdom. No one ever left her presence without her imparting God’s Blessing on them. 

She was proud of her extended family and was blessed to be surrounded by her many nieces, nephews, and friends in the months before her death.

Carmen was preceded in death by her husband Pete, son Peter, mother Angelita Benavidez and her fathers Julian Benavidez and Cecilio Benavidez, brother Mauricio Benavidez, and sister Mary B. Shaw.

She is survived by her daughters, Angela V. Silva Marino and her husband Richard; Kathy J. Silva; Cecilio M. Silva and his wife Connie; Miguel A. Silva and his wife Michelle. Grandchildren Marisol Silva (Anthony Sanchez), RJ Marino (Angelica Montague), Miguel (Jr.) Silva (Odalys Pena), Xavier Banda (Gabby), Sonni Brito (Simon Costello), Jayson Davis, and Alvaro Morzan.

Her great-grandchildren, Roman Banda and Sophia Silva, were her pride and joy! She is also survived by her foster brother John Luis (Deb) LaGrange.

Services for Carmen will be held at San Miguel Catholic Church in Socorro with a reception to follow. Details are pending.