Marion Bannington (MacLean) Silberman passed away on Sunday, May 3, after a brief struggle with the Covid-19 virus.
She was 92 years old and had resided at West Shore Health Center for the past 4 years. Prior to that, she had lived in Warwick with her beloved husband, Edward, for over 50 years. Edward preceded her in death in 2017. Theirs was a legendary love affair, starting in 1946. From their marriage in 1948 until she moved into the nursing facility, Marion and Ed lived life joyfully, simply and with firm conviction that their time was best spent helping others in their community. Marion was a gracious hostess, an extraordinary cook, a noted sandwich-maker and the best baker of pies, cookies and cakes for every occasion. Marion was born on February 28, 1928, at 8 p.m., weighing 8 pounds. For the rest of her life, the number 8 figured prominently in her thinking and coincidentally, in the fact that she could play anything on the piano’s 88 keys effortlessly, without ever having had a lesson. Her birth was in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents were Captain John A. MacLean and Josie May (MacLeod) MacLean from Nova Scotia, who had come to this country as newlyweds in 1920. The family moved from NY to Edgewood, RI in 1931. In 1933, Marion’s father died. Her mother went on to live to be 100 years old. Marion attended Cranston schools, worked at the Biltmore Hotel in Providence and in later years, enjoyed catering events through Carr’s Catering Company. She was very involved in her church activities at Washington Park United Methodist Church in Providence, organizing and running the chowder luncheons, after-service coffee hours and other fundraisers. Hers has been a life well-lived. Her husband, children, grandchildren and friends were her joys. Never in the spotlight but always the photographer, Marion captured the happy life in front of her. Remaining are boxes and boxes of carefully labeled pictures that we will treasure. We were all grateful that Mom didn’t know of Dad’s passing. So many people likened their story to “The Notebook.” The illness that ultimately took away Mom’s awareness was a blessing. We believe that now, in her passing, the veil has been lifted and she can truly be reunited with Dad, fully present and fully knowing about her beautiful little great-grandchildren. But first and foremost, Marion is with Edward, and we are all at peace with that.
Marion leaves three children: Judith S. Earle, John E. Silberman (Deborah) and James A. Silberman, all of Warwick. Her five grandchildren are Elizabeth S. Phillips (Scott), Susan Bannington Earle, John E. Silberman Jr. (Megan), Breana G. Silberman and Alanna S. Botts (Jonathan). Her three great-grandchildren are Avery Marion Phillips, Edith James Silberman and Julian Robert Botts. All mourn her passing but are comforted in the belief that she is with Edward, laughing, dancing, having ice-cream floats and walking hand in hand along the beach.
The funeral will be private due to the pandemic.
A celebration of her life is planned for September 18, their 72nd anniversary. Details will be announced. www.barrettandcotter.com
