Silvia Delia Calesini's Obituary
Silvia Delia Calesini of Richardson passed away on February 8, 2018 at the age of 98. She was born on August 30, 1919 in Chicago, Illinois, where she grew up as a student in Catholic schools, earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Chicago, and then built a career as a dedicated education. Married to Paul Calesini, she and Paul moved to Richardson upon her retirement in 1985.Upon Paul’s death in 2008, Silvia continued her unique life in the midst of her many friends, new and old, and former students. Silvia Calesini was regarded as a brilliant professional educator whose guidance bestowed life-long benefits on her many students. Silvia Calesini was regarded as a brillant professional education whose guidance bestowed life-long benefits on her many students. After graduation from the University of Chicago, Silvia achieved an advanced degree in Linguistics at Nice, France. Excelling in the study and teaching of languages, her career was as a teacher of French, Spanish, and English. She retired after many years on the faculty of New Trier High School of Winnetka, Illinois, known as one of America’s premier high schools. She exemplified well New Trier’s motto: “To commit minds to inquiry, hearts to compassion, and lives to the service of humanity.”In retirement, Silvia taught languages at Richland Community College and privately to Richardson newcomers from other nations. Her energy, intelligence, humor, and professional skill enabled her students to suceed and endeared her to them long after the classes ended.Silvia was active in Dallas civic affairs, the Italiian Club, and the Texas Sesquicentennial Committe of Dallas. In her many activities, Silvia made lasting friendships from all ages, walks of life, and backgrounds. She loved her students who kept up with her from all parts of the county, her faculty colleagues from New Trier, her neighbors, her garden, those who served her in her home, and her feline family. She taught all who knew her the joy of an active mind and lifelong learning with reading being her chief joy in recent years. Silvia Calesini will be missed.Visitation will take place on Monday, February 12, 2018 at Restland Funeral Home from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, at All Saints Catholic Church, 5231 Meadowcreek Drive, Dallas, Texas 75248, at 11 AM.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243.
What’s your fondest memory of Silvia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Silvia?
Share a story where Silvia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Silvia you’ll never forget.
How did Silvia make you smile?