Sheila E. (Lussier Costa) Silva, 77, of North Truro died peacefully on May 27, 2020, at Harbor Point in Centerville, where she resided for the last year. She was the wife of Richard “Dickie” Silva, who died on March 25.
Born in Somerville, daughter of the late Alexander J. and Gertrude (Rose) Lussier, she grew up in Wellfleet and attended Wellfleet High School. When that school closed, she attended and graduated from Nauset Regional High School. She married Jerome L. Costa in 1960. They settled in Provincetown and had four children.
In 1976, Sheila went to work for the town of Provincetown as assistant treasurer. Later, she became town clerk, a job she held until she retired in 1996.
From 1983 to 2003, Sheila was a justice of the peace, officiating at 594 weddings. She performed marriages on the beach, on the pier, on boats, at the Highland Lighthouse in Truro — one of her favorite lighthouses — atop the Pilgrim Monument, and in many other places. Her claim to fame was the marriage ceremony of Robert Woods, who played Bo Buchanan on the soap One Life to Live.
In 1985 she married Richard A. Silva. They spent many happy years together, traveling to Florida, Colorado, and Foxwoods.
Sheila collected lighthouse-themed items — puzzles, potholders, statues, blankets, etc. Her grandchildren would try to count her lighthouses and lose track at around 100. She always kept a ceramic goose cookie jar filled with gummies for them.
A passionate Elvis Presley fan, Sheila collected Elvis memorabilia. She also loved Bobby Vinton and had fond memories of seeing him at the Cape Cod Melody Tent.
Sheila enjoyed cross-stitching and working with plastic canvas. She loved giving her projects away as gifts, not only to her children and grandchildren but also to friends and even the couples whose marriages she performed.
She leaves her children, Christine Roderick and husband Ryan of Milbridge, Maine; Karen Silva and husband Paul of Provincetown; James Costa and wife Jennifer Neargardner of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Michael Costa and wife Simone Ivy of Provincetown. A sister, Ann Bronsdon of Wellfleet, and ex-husband, Jerome Costa and his wife Christina of Truro, survive her, along with stepdaughters Marie Hopkins and husband Junius of Sandwich; Judith Reece and husband Dennis of Texas; Robin Millard, Bonnie Colon and husband Ronald, and Anne Boulos and husband Thomas, all of Southbridge; Beth Angelini and husband Bill of Attleboro; and Betty-Jo Silva of Harwich. She also leaves 26 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Due to the current health crisis, Sheila’s funeral will be private. Burial will be in Provincetown Cemetery. A memorial honoring Sheila’s life will be held at Gately Funeral Home in the fall, at a date and time to be announced.
Contributions in Sheila’s name can be made to the Carrie A. Seamen Animal Shelter, 5 Sandy Hill Lane, Provincetown 02657.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, visit the online guest book at gatelyfuneralservice.com.
