COURTESY ANNOUNCEMENT

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Aurelia Maria (Priscilla) Silva of Española, New Mexico. The Lord took Priscilla home peacefully in her sleep at sunrise on April 13th, 2026. 

Priscilla was preceded in death by her parents, Lola Salazar-Martinez and Noberto Martinez of El Duende, New Mexico; her brother, Jose (Luis) Martinez, also of El Duende; and her nephew, Seth Valdez. 

She is survived by her son, Christopher Shoemaker-Shure Silva; her brother, Johnny Martinez of Hernandez; her sisters, Cindy Wise of Phoenix, AZ, Lori (Danny) Zelic of Alcalde, and Sophie Martinez of Cuarteles; and her aunt, Berlinda Martinez of Velarde. She is also survived by three special nieces: Lola (Chris) Maestas of El Guache, Ivy (Rob) Martinez of Española, and Vida Martinez of El Duende, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Priscilla was a graduate of Española Valley High School in 1975 and went on to attend Bible college at the Latin American Bible Institute in San Antonio, Texas. She returned to New Mexico and married Christopher Silva of Santa Fe, welcoming her son, Christopher. He was her greatest pride and joy—just knowing that he was hers, brought her immense happiness! 

Priscilla had such a deep love for the Lord. She cherished reading and studying her Bible, writing in notebooks upon notebooks filled with notes, scriptures, Bible studies and her own reflections. Priscilla loved to talk on the phone with her family. She was a beautiful person inside and out, and you could always count on her to be completely honest—she always, without fail, said what she saw and what was on her mind. With her vibrant personality, she could make anyone laugh. She was truly a sweet, caring, and loving person.. It brings great comfort to her family knowing that her suffering has ended and that she is finally at peace and happy in the presence of the Lord. Priscilla will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.