Silva, OP, Sister Guadalupe (Lupe), of Grand Rapids, was gently called home to God on September 2, 2026, at the age of 97, after 79 years of joyful and faithful Dominican religious life. 

Sister Guadalupe “Lupe” Silva, born November 19, 1928, in Merrill, Michigan, was the 15th child of Lucio and Brunita Perez Silva, who immigrated from Calvillo, Aguascalientes, Mexico, in 1925. Raised in a home grounded in hospitality, honest work, prayer, and the family refrain “Gracias a Dios,” Lupe carried those values throughout her life.

Lupe attended Sacred Heart School in Merrill, where she met the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters. Inspired by her family’s faith and the sisters’ example, she entered Marywood on September 8, 1946. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College and pursued further study at the Summer Institute of Theology in Saginaw.

For more than two decades, Sister Lupe taught early elementary grades in Catholic schools across Michigan, including Essexville, Grand Rapids, Pewamo, Suttons Bay, Chesaning, and Saginaw. 

In 1972, she began ministry at St. Joseph Parish in Saginaw, serving its multicultural community with special attention to Hispanic families. In 1976, with Father Federico Loos, she founded the Hispanic Lay Ministry Formation Program, centered on study, prayer, and service. The program became a national model.  She was Associate Vicar for Hispanics for the Diocese of Saginaw and was named Vicar for Hispanics by Bishop Kenneth Untener, becoming the first woman and Hispanic person to serve in that role.

In 1988, she served the Hispanic Apostolate in Holland, Michigan, as Pastoral Associate at St. Francis de Sales Parish. She later returned to Merrill, assisting in the Educator’s Warehouse, volunteering, and helping care for family.

Remembered as prayerful, hardworking, good-humored, and devoted to family and friends, Sister Lupe shared her artistic gifts through sewing, knitting, crocheting, upholstery, and crafts. In later years, she made baby clothes for new mothers and infants served by Bethany Services and the Pregnancy Center, as well as dresses for girls in Nigeria.

At her Golden Jubilee, Sister Lupe wrote, “Gracias a Dios are words that form my life.” Her life of faith, service, teaching, celebration, and love remains a lasting witness. Gracias a Dios.

Sister Lupe will repose at Marywood Chapel of the Word, 111 Lakeside Dr. NE, with a Remembering Service on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 9:00 am and Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 am. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery.  Memorials in Sister Lupe’s name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters.