Silvia M. Hendershott

Silvia Hendershott, 86, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away after a brave and persistent battle with cancer on Sunday, August 4, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Her adoring husband of 55 years, Donald Hendershott, passed away on December 28, 2012.

A first-generation Italian American born on June 21, 1938, in Chicago to the late Vincenzo and Ernesta Paluzzi, Silvia was the only one of their children to be born in America. Siliva graduated from Marywood Academy of Evanston, IL in 1956. Silvia met Don at the National Tea grocery store where he worked during his time at Northwestern University, where he graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering. They married on June 22, 1957. They shared a loving marriage for over 55 years before his passing. Silvia's unconditional love for her children and grandchildren fostered a deep connection and imparted life lessons to them and especially onto her grandchildren.

Silvia and Donald moved several times during his time in the Air Force. They settled in Blue Bell in 1961 when Don was hired by General Electric. Their Blue Bell neighbors were primarily GE Aerospace employees and this amazing GE family grew with their children and lifelong friends. Silvia was a Founding Member of the Woman's Club of Whitpain, which was federated under the General Federation of Women's Clubs in 1962. She was active in the establishment of the library, now on Skippack Pike, in Blue Bell. She and other members of the club garnered public support to transform what was then a mobile library connected with the Norristown library into what is now a first-class library, part of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library. In addition to establishment and support of the library through the years, Silvia also was an avid supporter of the Arts Programs in local high schools, both by her time and donation of funds. Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School honored her with a special presentation at a past year's Festival of Arts Program there. Her expertise in art and photography were respected by the arts instructors at both Gwynedd Mercy and Wissahickon High School. Silvia served as the Arts Chair, and handled countless other commitments for the Women's Club. She also taught students through the Art Goes to School program. Silvia's constant creativity was an artistic influence on her children as Cheryl and Karen pursued careers in the arts. For Paul and Brenda who chose different career paths, Photography was always in the mix. Silvia provided an overwhelming amount of support to and embedded a level of confidence only a mother and grandmother could do.

A juried member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsman and the Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen, Silvia was known for her unique and limited-edition Father Christmas figures that can be found all over the world. Silvia's Father Christmas figures were fashioned by hand by Silvia with the help of Don's woodworking, engineering, and fabrication skills. Don also created thousands of hand carved Christmas toys for Santa's pack, reminiscent of toys from the late 1800's. Articles about her and her works were published in many Craft magazines.

In addition to her beloved husband, Don, and her parents, Silvia was predeceased by her brother, Vincent Paluzzi, and her sister, Adriana Brannen.

Silvia will be lovingly remembered by her children: Cheryl Hendershott, partner of Judith Noble; Paul Hendershott, husband of Marlene Hendershott; Karen Myers, wife of Colin Myers; and Brenda Wolling, wife of Patrick Wolling. Silvia is also survived by her grandchildren, Andrew and Matthew Myers; Ryan and Samantha Silvia Wolling, as well as her beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins in Italy, Chicago, and throughout the United States. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be offered to The American Cancer Society.

Visitation will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Friday August 9, 2024 at St. John Baptist de la Salle, 42 Kerrick Rd, Shillington, PA 19607, and will conclude at the start of Mass. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., also at this location. Committal will follow the Mass at Gethsemane Cemetery's Chapel of St George 3139 Kutztown Rd. Reading, PA.19605

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed and webcast accessed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.