Freda Silvius Jan. 26, 1937 - March 29, 2015 GRANGER - Freda "Bear" Silvius, 78, passed away Sunday after a brief illness, surrounded by family, whom she always held so dear. Freda was born in Hardburly, KY, (Perry County) to Nora (Valentine) and Irven Eversole. She was raised in Hardburly Coal Mining Camp, and was the youngest sibling of her sister, Mildred (Bige) Shepherd (deceased), brother, James (Jimmie) Eversole (deceased), sister, Ena (Harold) McAtee, and brother, Jack (Wanda Sue) Eversole (deceased). She graduated with honors from M.C. Napier High School in 1955, earning the Senior Award which was usually presented to the most outstanding male and female student in each class; only one award was given Freda's senior year. She then went onto business school in Hazard, KY. Soon after business school, Freda moved to La Porte, IN, living with her Aunt May and Uncle Johnny Musgrove, and then moved to South Bend working as secretary to the Tabulating Department at Studebaker. She then became a homemaker when she married the love of her life, Jack Silvius, in 1958; they were married 57 years and modeled a great and loving marriage and partnership for their children, Jeff (Roxann) Silvius and Christy (Richard) Cappelletti. Freda is also survived by her 4 grandchildren, Jeffrey, Kevin (Alexa) and Allison Silvius and James Scott. Freda was an active volunteer, formerly as a Den Mother for Jeff's Cub Scout Pack, a Deacon and then Elder for Sunnyside Presbyterian Church and as a parent aide for CANCO. Informally, she was a second Mom to many of Jeff and Christy's friends, even as they became older. Freda was always the Mom who drove other children home from practice and had extra food following late games. She was an ever-present Mom, rarely missing a sporting or school event. She was their biggest cheerleader in all things, as she is for her grandchildren and all her nieces and nephews, and grands. Freda was loved and will be missed by so many, as she welcomed everyone into her home and arms. She was ready with an open ear and was not afraid to share her thoughts, especially during tough conversations. She had a true sense of integrity, knowing in heart right from wrong. She had great compassion and strength. Freda was also so very intelligent, daring and succeeding in completing her daily crossword puzzle in ink and winning at Trivial Pursuit. She was steadfast to her family and would do anything for them. She was a wonderful cook, and kept many traditions. Bear especially loved Christmas, decorating each room with a Christmas tree and Nativity and collected over 100 carved wooden Santas. It was a joy to open presents as she always wrapped them creatively with loving care. Freda even managed to take a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich and make it the best anyone has ever tasted; it was a favorite during her family's yearly beach vacation. She also loved collecting all sorts of bears, as she was truly Bear. Freda was such a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, and will so greatly be missed. Lord, make her an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let her sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 1st, 4-8 pm at Welsheimer's Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend; the funeral will be Thursday at 11 am, also at Welsheimer's. Charitable contributions to the American Heart Association may be given in Freda's honor. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.