Viola D. Sila

Viola D. Sila, 87, of Benton Harbor, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville, Michigan.  Viola was born on September 2, 1927, in Lincoln Township, Michigan, the daughter of John Harris and Esther (Hitzelberger) Harris.  She grew up in the St. Joseph and Benton Harbor area.  She graduated from Benton Harbor High and was active in the band. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware, Benton Harbor, MI with Father Mike Rejent officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family Monday, March 23, 2015 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with the Rosary recited at 6:45 P.M.  Memorial donations may be made to St. John/ St. Bernard Parish or Lake Michigan Catholic Schools. Those wishing to sign Viola’s memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. She married Frank T. Sila on May 1st, 1948 at St. John’s Catholic Church.  They were married 51 years.  Frank preceded her in death on May 26, 1999.  She was also preceded in death by her sister, Rosaline, and daughter, Judy Ann. Viola is survived by: Joan Sila/Chris Goist, of Twinsburg, Ohio, Frank and Renata Sila of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Patricia and William Gibson of Dowagiac, Michigan, Michael and Valentina Sila, of Eau Claire, Michigan; 5 grandchildren: Gwen Sila, Valerie Sila, Andrew Nemethy, Matthew Sila, and Zachary Sila, as well as many nieces and nephews. Viola was a homemaker and worked at Heath Company for 23 years.  She had a love of gardening and nature.  Her adventurous spirit led to her love of sailing and earning a private pilot’s license. One of mom’s gifts to her children was a deep and abiding faith.  We thank you mom.