Silvia Abelleira, 87, of Merrimack died peacefully on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. Silvia (“Yeya”) was the beloved wife for over 61 years of her late husband Angel (“Yeyo”) Abelleira.
Although Silvia was a longtime resident of Nashua, NH, she was born in Havana Cuba and was the daughter of the late Emilio Valdés and Josefina (Fernández) Valdés, and the beloved sister of the late Consuelo Hebra. Silvia was educated at the University of Havana where she earned a Ph.D. in education. In the mid 1960s Silvia and her husband decided to flee Cuba with their two children and come to the United States. At that time, the entire family could not leave Cuba, so Silvia came alone with the children in 1967, and Angel stayed behind not knowing when, or if, they would ever be reunited. Angel arrived in the United States two years later and together they built a wonderful life full of much love, lots of fun and a supportive and loving family.
Silvia taught Spanish at Nashua High School for 25 years (1969 to 1993), but her sense of community went far beyond the classroom. Silvia served as a mentor, counselor, volunteer translator and friend to all in the greater Nashua community and she worked closely with Spanish-speaking newcomers to integrate into the community. In 1998 the US Postal Service released a stamp that paid tribute to Father Felix Varela, a Cuban-American educator and humanitarian, for his service in New York City. In conjunction with the release of the stamp, the USPS office honored Silvia for her service to the community.
In retirement, Silvia loved travelling to Cancún, Mexico, with her husband and grandchildren every summer, tutoring area students, and, most of all, spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Silvia is survived by her son Angel and his wife Susan of Nashua, NH; her son Alberto and his wife Mary of Merrimack, NH; four grandchildren, Brandon Abelleira and wife Evelyn of Merrimack, NH, Andrew Abelleira and his fiancée Jenny Jo of Littleton, CO, Audrey Abelleira and husband Paul Maes of New Haven, CT, and Dennis Abelleira of Carlsbad, CA; two great-granddaughters, Sara and Sophia Abelleira; loving and devoted brother-in-law, Sergio Hebra, Sr.; and dear nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, including Ana (Hebra) Flaster, Andrew Flaster, Natalia and Samuel Flaster; Sergio Hebra, Jr., Jada Keye Hebra, Dante, Diego and Mia Hebra; Diane (Hebra) Merchant, David Merchant, Lily and Nickolas Merchant.
Relatives and friends are invited to Silvia’s walk-through visitation on Sunday, November 22nd from 2-4 pm at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH. Those attending are asked to adhere to current COVID-19 guidelines by wearing a mask and observing social distancing. A memorial mass will be held the following day (Monday) at 10:00 am at St. John Neumann Church, 708 Milford Road, Merrimack, NH. Interment will follow the service at Woodlawn Cemetery in Nashua. Those wishing to honor Silvia by helping others, can donate to the Nashua Children’s Home at 125 Amherst Street, Nashua, NH 03064. For more information or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591.
