Mary Dorothy Silveira Ristroph

Obituary

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Mary Dorothy Silveira Ristroph, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and a treasured member of the Santa Clara community, at her home in Santa Clara, California. Mary passed away peacefully in her sleep, in the comfort of the home she lived in since 1950. Born to dairy-farming immigrants from the Azores Islands, Portugal, Mary’s life was a testament to resilience and community spirit. She had the unique honor of being one of the first children baptized at the newly- built Five Wounds Catholic Church (SJ) in 1919. She was celebrated at the church’s 100th anniversary (2019), her 101st birthday. Mary grew up alongside her siblings, Tony Silveira and Rosalie Quintal and cousin, Mary Bonafacino. Her family’s 40-acre dairy farm was located on Lawrence Station Road, at what is now the intersection of Lawrence and Central Expressways. Mary was often the caretaker of her siblings and the home during her mother’s frequent illnesses. In 1942, Mary wed Jake Henry Ristroph. Their marriage lasted 58 years, until Jake’s passing in 2000. The couple nurtured a family of six children in their Bray Avenue home. Survived by her children Ronald (Linda), Mary Bragg, Susan Herman (Ted), Elaine Cardinale, and Claire Burdick (Jerry). Loving grandmother of Jillian Schalesky, Katie Brudny, Brooks Burdick (Amy) and Gianna Gaudini (Garrett). Great-grandmother of 10.Mary was also the adored “second mother” of George and Bonnie (Simas) Staggs. She is predeceased by her husband, Jake, her son, David, her son-in-law, John Bragg, granddaughter, Camille Cardinale, siblings Rosalie Quintal and Tony Silveira, and her parents. Also pre-deceased by her beloved “second mother”, Mary Gorman (Aunt Mae) and best friends and neighbors, Mary and Lin White. Mary was a founding member of Saint Justin’s Parish, Santa Clara, and was a long-time member of the Santa Clara Women’s Club. Honored by the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce as “Volunteer of the Year” in 1959. Mary’s warmth and generosity knew few bounds. She was renown for her Christmas fruitcakes, rocky road, English toffee and jams, bestowing them as gifts to her many friends. An avid card player throughout her life, she continued to enjoy this pastime until just days before her passing. While playing cards, there was always a box of See’s chocolates for guests. A cherished figure in her neighborhood, she babysat numerous children over the years, maintaining these precious connections and keeping in touch through cards, letters, and phone calls. She will also be remembered for gifting “lucky” $2 bills as well as Andes mints. In 2023, Mary was featured in the book, “De.coded – A Human History of Silicon Valley.” De.Coded, commissioned by the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, highlights 101 remarkable individuals from Silicon Valley, presenting portraits, oral histories and ancestral DNA maps of this remarkable cohort. As the longest living person featured in the book, she credited her longevity to drinking milk, eating healthy foods, getting good sleep, working hard, and following her doctor’s orders. Living through the most eventful century in history, Mary witnessed profound changes, from the depths of the Great Depression and the upheavals of war to the civil rights movement, technological revolutions, and two global pandemics. Her life was a living history lesson, marked by resilience and adaptability. She inspired many with her positive attitude she will be greatly missed. The family would like to acknowledge Carole Kulik, R.N., and Mercy Rovillos, R.N., for their loving care of Mary. Her neighbors also aided her on a weekly basis: Christopher and Aly Kubota, the Briseno family and Joe and Paula Alves. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sequoia Hospice, Sacred Heart Community Services San Jose, Second Harvest Food Bank, “Camille’s Room” at Santa Clara County South Valley Animal Shelter, or the organization of your choice.