Marie Walton Silver - Obituary

rs. Marie (Walton) Silver (93yrs old) peacefully transitioned to Heaven on February 3, 2022 at Manor Care Nursing Home Silver Spring, Maryland. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 4, 1928 to Reverend McCartha and Lillie (Clark) Walton (deceased). Marie was the second born child. During her childhood, family life was complete with numerous visitations of family and friends. Marie was very active, at an early age, high spirited and thirst for independence, thus forging her own path. She often caused quite a stir for her parents. Her family moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. After the move, an illness occurred among all but Theresa and Marie. Details remain unknown to this day. Ms. Fannie Clark (her mother’s sister), lived in Philadelphia and was made aware of the circumstances. She asked if Marie and Theresa could come stay with her, until the others were well. Marie was permitted to go. Theresa was a baby and it was felt that the baby would be too much for Fannie to manage. The stay was to end once the ill siblings recovered, but that didn’t occur. She spent most of her teenage life and pre-adult years in Philadelphia. As time passed, Marie enjoyed her independence with her aunt, who had no children. She occasionally returned to Washington, D.C. to visit. When her aunt passed, Marie decided to live alone in her own apartment, working various jobs to support herself. One day, while on a train to Washington, D.C., Marie caught the eye of Frederick (Fred) Andrew Silver (Fredericksburg, Virginia). They dated for a while and later married. She returned home to surprise everyone by introducing her husband. The union did not produce children. However, they spent 66 years of marriage traveling. Some travel was out of the country. They generally enjoyed life and eating dinner out every Friday, especially having seafood meals. They were often on the road to visit friends and family. They sent money and/or gifts to Marie’s siblings for Christmas gifts, for their children. Marie occasionally mailed birthday cards to relatives, inserting a one-dollar bill. She often said, “One should always have one!” On June 28th,1960, Marie was presented with a Speedwriting Shorthand Certificate from the Speedwriting Secretarial School of Boston, Mass. August 4, 1994, Marie was presented a Certificate of Appreciation from Indiana’s Family & Social Services Administration for her 16-1/2 years of service. In her free time, she loved reading mysteries and/or love stories, knitting and crocheting items, as gifts to others. Marie and Fred lived in Fredericksburg, VA, Washington, D.C., Newton, Massachusetts, Indianapolis, Indiana and later, Fort Washington, Maryland. They joined the United Methodist Church, Oxon Hill, Maryland and served as active members. They volunteered to play the role of “Joseph and Mary” for the church’s live Nativity Scene, which was outdoors at nighttime. They enjoyed waiving as cars drove by. Marie was very proficient in playing the Hand Bells, in the Bell Choir. Sometimes, she’d participate in the Flee Markets, as well. They loved dinner or lunch out, with other couples within the church, every Friday. During the last 20 years of life, Marie recovered from a heart attack. Due to her limited mobility (walking), she lost the use of her legs and became wheelchair bound. Her eyesight began to fail and she didn’t want it known, because she feared being hospitalized. In and out Eye surgery was performed, to no avail. She gradually became legally blind. The declining health of both Marie and Fred made it necessity to move to Morningside Assisted Living Facility in St. Charles County MD and later, Manor Care of Silver Spring, MD. The staff in both locations have been a true blessing, during the latter season of their lives. In Morningside, they were given their own private dining table, in the dining room. In Manor Care, the staff reportedly enjoyed caring for and visiting them to hear their stories. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Nancy Lou (Walton) Ross, twin brothers, Arthur and Oscar Walton, and Theresa (Walton) Brown. Marie is survived by her husband, Frederick Silver, a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Marie's Life Celebration on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 10a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment will be private. Please share a memory or condolence for the family on the "Memories" page.