Maria Carlota Silva

Maria Carlota Venegas Silva, a longtime resident of Forest Park, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 21, 2024. She was 92. 

Born to Mercedes Venegas Marin and Jose Angel Sulpulveda Venegas in Santiago, Chile on March 13, 1932, Maria immigrated to the United States at age 27 with her former husband, Hernan. She was the mother of the late George Silva and is survived by daughters Nancy Silva and Marjorie Zilligen, as well as her sister, Lucrecia. She was grandmother to Alexandra, Sean (Ira), Mallory, Robert, Courtney, Stephanie, and Rachel, and an aunt to many. 

A talented seamstress and tailor, Maria moved to Forest Park in 1966 and spent two decades as the head tailor at Krest Uniform on Madison Street. Over the years, Maria also welcomed countless customers into her home for fittings and alterations. She prided herself on each hem, stitch, and bustle that went into making the perfect wedding dress, prom suit, and outfit.

Maria was a dedicated member of Club Chileno de Chicago for many years, befriending and helping many new immigrants make a home in her adopted country. She enjoyed traveling the world with friends, spoiling her grandchildren, and housing any animal that needed a home.  

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 26 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home 7319 W. Madison St., Forest Park, IL. Family and friends are asked to meet at church 9:45am Wednesday, where a will be a Funeral Mass held at St. Bernadine's Church at 10:00am.  Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to the Salvation Army of Chicago, which sponsored the visa that brought Maria to the United States.  Info. 708-366-2200 or www.Zimmerman-Harnett.com. 

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