Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Christine Silves Memorial
Christine Silves Memorial

Christine Silves

Christine Silves

Thursday, March 30th, 2023

Christine “Chris” Silves left this earth on March 30, 2023 surrounded by her beloved family and the beauty of the picturesque Skagit Valley and Mount Baker that brought her such joy. Just shy of her 75th birthday, Chris was born and raised on Queen Anne in Seattle to Fred McClintock and Bernie (Lindell) Duthie on April 28, 1948. At the age of 10, she decided that she would be a schoolteacher. Little did she know the journey that decision would take her on and the lives she would touch.

Hers is a story of perseverance and determination. After dropping out of high school, she completed her GED at Edison Technical School in Seattle and then began her pursuit of beating the odds by earning a teaching degree. That led her to Skagit Valley College where she would meet the love of her life, William “Wild Bill” Silves. Chris’ pursuit of becoming a teacher was paused as she and Bill welcomed their daughter Jennifer and son Aaron into this world. Even before she became a teacher, she would touch the lives of those who knew her as mentor and leader for Blue Birds, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Rainbow Girls.

When she returned to school, she completed her Associates of Arts degree at Skagit Valley College before going on to Western Washington University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a minor in Art Education graduating with honors. A short time later Chris would return to school and earn a Master’s in Education from Seattle Pacific University.

Chris would go on to teach for over 25 years in the Mount Vernon School District at both Lincoln Elementary School in the Slingerland Program and Centennial Elementary Schools.  During these years, she became known for sharing her love of reading, art, and music with her students, empowering, and helping each student find their own potential.

Chris and Bill’s family would grow again when it welcomed Andre Kimball (Jennifer’s Husband) and Alicia (Goodin) Silves (Aaron’s wife) into the family. And then the greatest role of Chris’s life would begin, Grandma to Aaron and Alicia’s four children: Hannah, Dayton, McKinzie, and Kalie. She passes along her love of art, music, and adventure to each of them and always celebrated their unique and special gifts and talents.

As Chris would often say, “if you aren’t part of the solution, you are part of the problem.” It wasn’t uncommon to find Chris advocating for those without a voice or giving back to the community. From fighting against a nuclear power plant coming to Skagit County in the 1970’s to being active in the Democratic Party and being a founding board member of the Central Skagit Partial County Library Board, Chris was always making sure that the next generation would have a better world to call home.

Chris was a lifelong learner and avid reader, connecting with the world through travel and friendship. Always one to find joy and happiness in the world, her friendships in the Swan Road Book Club, attending the Seattle Symphony, and traveling the US and World for Softball with Bill would always be a highlight for her. Chris’ open door both in her classroom and her home made her approachable. She always had an extra plate on the dinner table, a party after every softball tournament, an ear to listen and a hug to give.

Chris was one of a kind and will be missed by many. Make her proud and continue her belief of the good and love in the world by helping everyone on their journey. Lift each other up and make the world a better place for the next generation.

The family requests those who wish to honor Chris, to donate in lieu of flowers, to:

  • Children’s Programs at Friends of the Central Skagit Library – 110 West State Street, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284;
  • Reach Out and Read Washington – https://reachoutandread.org/affiliate/washington/;
  • Boys and Girls Club of Skagit County – https://skagitclubs.org/donate/
  • Or another program in your area that supports and empowers children through the music, arts, and reading.

A celebration of Chris Silves’ Life will be held on Sunday, April 30, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Stepping Stones Garden, 17503 Cook Rd, Burlington, WA 98233. Please share your memories of Chris and sign the online guest register.

 

 

Guestbook

  • Jack Floyd

    Because of Bill I got to meet a real angel, Chris’s smile and genuine personality could not be misunderstood for anything else, I remember feeling welcomed whenever I was in her presence. I thank God for allowing me to have known and fellowshiped with “The Red Head”.

  • Steven Meeker

    Such beautifully written words about Chris, She will be missed so much as She did a lot for those all around her. My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with You all in this time of sorrow.

  • Bob Smith

    I will miss her dearly. She was always so supportive of Bill when it came to softball tournament’s and everything else he was involved in. She like Bill are special to me, considered family.
    Love Bob Smith, with thoughts of Marge!

  • Kim Watlington

    Bill, Jenny and Aaron our hearts break for you all, the loss of your wife and mother is a very hard time to go through. We understand that very well with the passing my mom just over two years ago.
    Chris was a very special lady, like I mentioned on the Facebook post, she was a very special part of one my wedding day. She played her harp as I walked down the aisle with my dad (Bob Smith) and because of that she will always hold a special place in my heart.
    Love to you all, Kim, JW, Lauren and Katie Watlington

  • Dave Stocker

    Thoughts and prayers to you Bill and your family from all of us here in Las Vegas.
    Region 15 (now 9) lost a true legend and a friend. May your love carry you through this tough time. God bless!

  • Dave Epperson

    Bill & Family:

    My sincere condolences on the loss of your wife, mother, and grandmother. What a wonderful lady she was. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow. God bless all.

  • Kelley Kaloi

    The first time I met Chris was at her home where she always made a wonderful dinner for all us umpires. She would out do her self and I would come home so full yum !!! Chris was so sweet and im lucky to had the opportunity to get to know her. She was a beautiful lady and I loved all her bird houses that Bill would make and they so nice to give me one of the bird houses and this will remind me of chris !

  • Mark White

    Our household is still shaken by the news of Chris’ passing. Not only was Chris our children’s teacher…. but bride to one of my best friends. When I first started doing tourneys Chris would do the artwork on my flyers. We were honored to attend her retirement party. The farm was a meeting place of family and friends. Chris always made you feel welcome. Her smile and love will be missed by all of us. Rest in Peace my dear friend.

  • Tori & Malcolm Boyles

    Met Chris for the first time in Grade School. Clearly Chris had a plan to be a teacher early on. I will always remember Chris Silves as one of the most positive people I’ve ever known.

    Chris Silves lived a life of service to others. Chris’s family was first, but students, friends and community were not far behind. She once said to me “I hope I’ve had an impact on someone.” My reply, “Yes Chris, more than you’ll ever know!”

  • Evonne L. Moran (Grimm)Moran

    Bill,
    we are so sorry to hear of Chris’ passing. May our Lord and Savior be with you and your family at this time of sorrow. Our prayers are with you.

    Dennis & Evonne

  • Jeanne Williams

    Chris was so driven to get children access to library resources in this area. She worked tirelessly to get Central Skagit Library District established and thriving. I appreciate all she has done for this community. Rest in peace and peace to all of the family in this difficult time.

  • Tami Williams Whiton

    Bill & Family,
    My sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Chris. She was a shining star, for sure. I pray for comfort as you grieve the loss of your sweet Chris. Just know I am thinking of you at this time of loss.

  • Tom and Katie Mahoney

    I stayed a night or two at the “Umps Inn” aka Silves residence. Chris always made me feel welcome. Her smile will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to Bill and family. Tom Mahoney

  • Jack Swaney

    Bill and family… So sad to hear of your loss.. On every occasion I had time to share with Chris, she had a smile on her face that matched her demeanor and usually something funny regarding you Bill… Give Aaron and Jennifer an extra hug from me… I won’t be able to be there in person on Sunday the 30th as we will be out of state…. Jack

  • Capt. Dave Button

    Life is Short! But Chris sure made Everyday
    count. What an extra-ordinary life she lived.
    memories are never lost! And Bill you have
    many of them to cherish.

  • Toni Ruhl

    I am so happy to have called Chris my friend. she was a ray of sunshine. we enjoyed book club together.

  • Dennis Lind

    Shocked and sadness to hear of Chris passing. Bill and family thinking of you all.

  • Greg Pohl

    Bill,

    My heart goes out to you and your family. I pray God will provide you comfort during this difficult time, and at the same time, bring you Joy in knowing she’s in a better place. Gather your family and friends and cherish all the beautiful moments she brought to everyone who knew her. Laugh, cry, and cherish the time you had together. The healing will be difficult, but with family and God’s love, you can make it through it.

    May God Bless.

  • Kevin Ryan

    May god hold her in his right hand and bless your family in the hard time. You are in my heart and prayers

  • Kay and Jordan Shafer

    Chris was a wonderful person. She always had a smile on her face, a story to tell and a kind nature that always made you feel welcomed. I’m so glad we were able to spend time with her and Bill last September. They were both dear friends and Chris will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy to Bill and family.

  • Carolee Sepe

    She was a true light on this earth. I will always remember the fun times at softball functions back in 80’s and 90’s and her sharing her recipes for potato salad and calico beans. Her laugh was infectious!!

  • Mary Alice Grobins

    I served with Chris on the library board, and she always advocated for literacy and for services for children. She gave generously and cheerfully of her time and skills. I send my deepest sympathy to Bill and her family.

  • Keri Warrichaiet

    So sorry for your loss Bill, Jennifer and Aaron!! Chris was such a wonderful person!!