Sylvia (Garfield) Silva, 98 of Rockland died on April 28, 2011 at the South Shore Hospital. She was born in Rockland daughter of Charles and Roxie (Howard) Garfield and was a life-long resident of the town.

A Rockland High School graduate in 1924, Sylvia had been employed for many years as a stitcher at the E.T. Wright Co. She was active in the town teaching ceramics at the Rockland Senior Center and volunteering for the Meals on Wheels program. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Rockland and was a member and Past-President of the sewing circle of the church.

Wife of the late Carl F. Nelson and Alfred F. Silva, she is survived by her children, Marion Trickett of ME, Laurie Lamont of Marshfield, Jarilyn Keefe of PA, Jennilou Pizzi of Plymouth, Carl Nelson of TN and John Nelson of Rockland. She was pre-deceased by her son James Nelson and her siblings Howard and Harold Garfield and Rhoda Cull. Also surviving are many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The Silva family welcomes friends and loved ones to celebrate her life on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 10:00 AM in the First Baptist Church, 200 Union St. in Rockland. Burial will take place on Monday May 9, 2011 at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.