Julia Elizabeth "Judy" (Wehkoja) Silva

Julia Elizabeth (Wehkoja) Silva “JUDY” - a long- time resident of Maynard, MA passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in hospice care at home surrounded by her loving family.

Judy was born on April 14, 1928, and raised in Maynard, daughter of the late Wilho and Julia E. (Mitzcavitch) Wehkoja. She was educated in Maynard, graduating from Maynard High School in 1946. For over 25 years Judy was employed by the Manning Pharmacy in Maynard as a clerk, and upon its closure proceeded down the street to Paul’s Bakery where she worked the counter serving coffee and fresh pastries every morning. You would think by this time retirement was on her horizon, but not Judy. Now in her 80’s, she continued to work part-time for the Acton Boxborough Regional Schools Food Service Department (particularly cafeterias at the Douglas School & Parker Damon Building).

Family was the most important part of Judy’s life. With her sister they never missed an opportunity to shop, go out to eat, or get together with their cousins on a routine basis whenever they could. Of course, her sister always drove, since Judy NEVER had a license. Always said she got places safer on her feet. In addition, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her main focus. Putting their needs before her own was her biggest attribute, supporting them with all endeavors in any way she could. She was a proud member of the Maynard High School Band Parents Club, chaperoning many years of different activities, functions, and exchange trips while her children were part of the band in high school, continuing for a few years thereafter when the director needed assistance. As a graduate of Maynard High, she was also instrumental in helping to keep the class of 1946 in touch, and with the help of other classmates coordinated regular opportunities for all those who wanted to get together to do so more frequently throughout the years ahead. She will be missed by many, but never forgotten.

Judy is survived by her loving daughter, Lee Ann and husband Anthony Tyler of Maynard and daughter-in-law Sara Silva of Derry, NH. She was the grandmother of Sam Tyler, Zachary Silva (Susie), Todd Tyler (Erika), Jason Silva (Kate). Great-grandchildren Anthony Tyler, Addison Silva, Gunnar Silva, Tate Tyler, cousins, nieces and nephews. Sadly, she was predeceased by her son, Steven Silva, brother William Wehkoja, sister Patricia Donahue, and her children’s father Roger Silva.

On Judy’s behalf the family would like to thank the Care Dimensions Hospice Team for the tremendous amount of outstanding quality care they gave her and tremendous support we as a family received every day. In addition, we thank all her personal caregiver's past and current, who gave it their all without hesitation, tending to her every need, making her laugh and loving her the way she loved them.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Judy on Thursday, 10/16/25 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Fowler-Kennedy Funeral Home 42 Concord Street, Maynard, MA. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 10/17/25 at 9am at St. Bridget’s Church, One Percival Street Maynard, MA. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery, Great Road, Maynard, MA.

In lieu of flowers please consider becoming an organ donor or supporting organ donation, in honor of Steve Silva. Visit Donatelife.net to learn more.