Yvonne M. (Silva) Houtman, 66, of New Bedford died on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family, after a 20-year battle with cancer. She was married to the love of her life, Raymond J. Houtman, for more than 45 years.

Born November 11, 1957 in New Bedford, the daughter of Maria (Livramento) Silva and the late Alfredo B. "Freddie" Silva, Sr., she was a life-long member of the New Bedford Community.

Yvonne was a communicant of St. Lawrence Church, where she was a devoted parishioner, Eucharistic Minister, and former CCD teacher. Her belief and dedication to the church earned her the Marian Medal from the Diocese of Fall River.

Yvonne was a graduate of New Bedford High School, Class of 1975 and later attended Salem State College and UMass Dartmouth. While in college, Yvonne had a brief modeling career, where she graced the cover page of a national cheerleading magazine.

Yvonne found her calling in the New Bedford Public Schools as a paraprofessional at the Alfred J. Gomes Elementary School providing our youth with stability, compassion, and high expectations. Prior to that, she was employed as an Assistant Manager and Trainer for Papa Gino's at locations throughout New England.

She was a member of the Sistahood Club and the NAACP New Bedford Branch.

Yvonne loved to cook, having fed everybody who walked through her doors. She was filled with love for her family and cherished time spent with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond; two sons, Marques Houtman and Isaiah Houtman and his wife Clementina; two grandchildren, Christopher and Abigail Houtman, (who were the apples of her eye and her pride and joy); her brother, Alfredo B. "Sonny" Silva, Jr. (Faith); four sisters, Peggy Dias (Mark), Shirley Silva-Paige, Beverly Gresham, and Melissa Wilson (Conan); and many nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Sandra S. Gonsalves, Elaine M. Silva, Anna M. Silva, Antonet "Toni" Silva, and Diane Tavares.

Her Funeral will be held Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Lawrence Church at 10 AM. Interment will be private. Visiting hours will be Monday, July 8th from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Yvonne's memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or Southcoast VNA, Attn: Community Affairs, 200 Mill Road, Fairhaven, MA 02719. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.