Obituary of Frances Martin Silveira

The sun set on Frances Martin Silveira, 94, on Feb. 9, passing peacefully at home in Monterey. Born Aug. 19, 1926 in Hollister to Cipriano Martin and Andrea Garcia Martin, immigrants of Spain. After the passing of her mother Frances was raised by her father and step-mother, Annie Martin. Frances grew up in Hollister helping work local ranches before moving to Monterey and graduating from Monterey High School. In 1948 she married John Silveira and together they loved their three kids, Ronald Wayne, Sandra Ann, and Christine Marie.

Frances would never brag, but we will: In high school she worked as an usher at California’s First Theater on Pacific Street. After raising her three kids she worked as a bookkeeper, a hostess, and at the Carmel Mission gift shop before taking over management of Martin Apartments established by her father in the 1940’s. She was an amazing cook, stayed fluent in Spanish, played multiple instruments, and was a proud member of the senior dance troupe, The Tap Bananas for nearly two decades.

Besides dancing, gardening, sitting in the sun on her patio, chorizo, wine, coffee and the occasional jigger of Anisette, Frances loved her family above all else, never more happy than being surrounded by her 5-generation legacy of love.

Frances was preceded in death by her father, mother, step-mother, brother Peter Martin, and granddaughter Sommar Silveira. She is survived by her three children, Ron Silveira, Sandie Russo, and Chris Silveira, grandsons Ron Silveira and Joe Russo, granddaughters Kelli Wheeler and Cristi Giammanco, and their spouses and extended family including great-grandchildren Stephanie, Mary, Sarah and Gina, Kaitlyn and Jacob, Logan and Whitney, Nikki and Anthony, and great-great-grandchildren Zeke, Evie and Curtis.

Private services were held.