KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Beverly Ann Brown, 85, of Kelseyville died unexpectedly while on a Caribbean cruise with her three youngest sons and their wives. We will miss her so very, very much.
“Bev” was born on Dec. 30, 1928, in Minot, ND to Earl and Alvilda Combs. She grew up on a farm during the Depression years. At 15, she came to California by train where she attended and graduated from Mt. Tamalpais High School in Marin.
At 18, she met Louis Manuel Silva at a Portuguese fiesta in Sausalito. It was love at first sight. They settled in Petaluma on 25 acres. Together, they built a two-room house which slowly expanded as their family did.
Bev immersed herself in her children's lives, participating in the PTA, Cub Scouts and numerous sports. There were frequent camping trips with family and friends throughout her life. She
started a sewing circle and dinner club, both of which continued on for many years.
Bev and Lou danced (and, boy, could they dance!) their way through 24 years of marriage before his life was cut short by a massive heart attack at age 47.
After Lou passed, Bev supported her family by driving a bread and pastry delivery truck house-to-house. Everyone in the Liberty Valley looked forward to the yellow Dutch Colonial Bakery truck pulling into their driveway.
Three years later Bev met and married Donald Brown. He whole-heartedly embraced his new family, raising Bev's three youngest sons. They were married 40 incredible years until Donald's death in
October 2013.
Bev and Don retired to Lake County 16 years ago. They absolutely loved living here. They enjoyed camping, golfing, bowling, RVing (Roving Rooster RV Club), and cruising to Alaska and Mexico.
Bev loved dancing, baking, painting, gardening, playing cards, collecting rocks and antique farm tools, reading, sewing, being involved in the Red Hats Society, Riviera West Women's Club and Sons of Norway. Her enthusiasm for life was infectious.
Most of all, Bev loved God and her family; and she cherished her friends. She was the family historian and recorded it in beautiful scrapbooks and quilts.
Simply put, Bev lived every moment to the fullest. She was an inspiration to us all!
Beverly is survived by her sisters Kathleen Collins of Concord, Calif., and Jacque Russell of Castell, TX; her children, Gary Silva of Ocean Park, Wash., Patti Silva of Sonoma, Calif., Dan L. (Cathy) Silva of Kelseyville, John Michael “Koko” (deceased), David (Darlene) Silva of Lake Side, Calif., Ron Silva of Kelseyville, Michael (KC Paige) Silva of Clearlake, Calif., stepson Keith (Diane) Brown of Henderson, Nev.; her grandchildren, Dino (Allie) Minatta, Danyell (Rick) Rosa, Daniel and Steven Silva, Ron Silva Jr., Ashley, Chalsey and Louie Silva, Kurese (Chris) Labelle, Beton City, Wash., Eugena (Jason) King, Beton City, Wash.; great grandchildren Zeke Labelle, Devin and Ryker King, Eli and Jameson Silva, Natalia, Dario and Dantia Minatta, Peyton and Parker Rosa, and Kevin “Turtle” Silva; nieces and nephews, Kimberly (Todd) Claus, Bryce Collins, Steven and Scott Russell.
A celebration of Bevy's life will be held at the Riviera West club house on 8472 Harbor View Drive (Kelseyville) on Wednesday, Feb. 26, from noon to 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to Hospice Services of Lake County or the charity of your choice. Thank you!
Arrangements entrusted to Jones Mortuary, www.jonesmortuary.com FD311, Lakeport, Calif.