Mrs. Cherylee "Cheri" Anne Fernandes Silva was born on Jan. 1, 1950, in Turlock, Calif. to Carl and Josephine E. Lucas Fernandes. She passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Cheri was raised in Turlock. She graduated from Turlock High School in 1967. She married her husband, Donald E. Silva, on Jan. 14, 1967, and they had 44 wonderful years together. Cheri was a member of the Pineywoods Country Club and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She loved gardening, playing cards, dancing, barbecues and was an avid golfer.

She loved hosting parties, loved her community, and best of all, loved nurturing and loving all of her family and friends, including those in California. She enjoyed being involved with the Nacogdoches community, volunteering for multiple golf tournaments, including the Blueberry Festival.

Cheri's family knew her as an extrovert who knew how to have a good time. She was supportive to all who needed her, was a compassionate caregiver, was patient and loving and had a big heart.  She was bigger than life and all who knew and loved her, especially her family, will forever miss her.

 Cheri is survived by the love of her life, Donald Silva of Nacogdoches; daughter, Dona Silva of Orlando, Fla.; brother, Charles Fernandes and his wife, Candice, of Ceres, Calif.; mother, Josephine Fernandes of Turlock, Calif.; as well as a host of other extended family and great friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Carl Fernandes; and by infant sons, Craig and Jeffrey Silva.

 A memorial Mass will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, June 25 at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, 2602 S. Walnut Rd., Turlock. Interment to follow at Turlock Memorial Park.  A reception will be held following services.

Services entrusted with Turlock Funeral Home. Please share your memories and condolences at www.TurlockMemorialPark.com.