Diana 'Jay' Silvera

Diana Jane Silvera, known as 'Jay', to her friends, has sadly passed away after a long battle with illness. Daughter to Tom and Phyllis Salthouse, Jay grew up on a farm in Rhodesia, Africa. She was part of a loving family and had 5 Siblings. Tony, Mark, 'Bug', Linda, and Joanna. She was a gifted diver at school and had many friends. Jay loved Africa and the wild. She grew up close to nature and had many wonderful stories of fishing, camping and general mischief. Jay had a wonderful sense of humour which made her so much fun to be around. From Africa, she travelled to London to begin a successful career as a Fashion Model, followed over the years with businesses in advertising productions, safari holidays and selling designer clothing with Etcetera. In London, she had her son Luke and lived happily in a flat in Hammersmith with her beloved doggie called 'Lucky'. She loved animals deeply and named her Lucky because she found her by the side of the road in Spain, with a broken leg. She picked up the stray and cared for her for the next 17 years. Jay had a huge heart. She loved her doggies and 'Lucky', Max, Chipper, Checker, Bella & Cookie all had a big place in her heart over the years. After London, Jay's life took her to America where she met and settled down with her husband of 30 years, Ralph Silvera. They lived mainly in Southampton, New York. They both loved to host friends and family from all over the world whenever they could. She loved to cook and share her time with others. Laughter would always be in the air when she was around. She had a great life surrounded by family and friends. On moving to Florida, Jay developed a deep love for Tennis. She excelled at it and met many of her closest friends doing battle on the clay courts. First at The Polo Club, then The Wanderers. She absolutely loved watching and playing Tennis and was often found glued to the TV, cheering for her favourite player. Jay was a wonderful grandmother. She loved what she referred to as 'my babies!' with all her heart. One of her favourite things was to feed the ducks with her grandchildren, Lottie and William. She would always try and spoil them rotten and gave so much love. Jay was adored by her loved ones, friends, and doggies. She touched the lives of many with light, love, and fun. She will be missed always and never forgotten. As her son, I feel blessed to have the time we did and will cherish you forever. I love you Mama. Jay is survived by son Luke Neel, husband Ralph Silvera and little Cookie.