Eva (Mrkonja) Silvestri, 97, a lifelong resident of Aliquippa, lovingly known as “Mama Tootsie,” passed away peacefully on September 15th, 2025. She was born on December 20th, 1927, a daughter of the late Mike and Margaret Mrkonja. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Silvestri and several siblings: Marie (Frank) Battalini, Ann (Anthony) Marcello, Lil (Joseph) Taormina, Joan Mrkonja, Milan (Stella) Mrkonja, Joseph (Elizabeth) Mrkonja, George Mrkonja, Nicholas (MaryAnn) Mrkonja; along with two infant siblings, Rudolph and Rosemary. She is survived by her brothers, Louis Mrkonja, with whom she had a close relationship with, as well as John Mrkonja. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She maintained a close relationship with her devoted nieces, Valerie Battalini (Rick Cropper ) and Vicki (Martin) Thomas, her nephew, Tony Marcello, and her great nieces and nephews: Martin Thomas, Austa (Kevin) McDanel and their children, Urban and Una and Quinn Thomas, whom she cared for with great dedication as if they were her own children.

Eva will be remembered and cherished for her wit, enduring strength and snappy sense of humor. She was the eldest sister of 13 siblings who lived a life that was full of care and devotion to her family. Her greatest joy was spending time with her closest nieces and nephews. One would never see her without her two sisters. The trio of Eva, Marie and Joann would go gallivanting around town and Joann was the chauffeur. The only thing better for her was the luck of good scratch ticket. She enjoyed the simple pleasure of good company and lunch at her local McDonald’s. She was full of quick humor who was proud of her Serbian heritage and was an overall joy to be around.

Eva will be buried with her husband at St. Elijah Serbian Cemetery of Aliquippa.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gandhe and staff at the staff Gateway Hospice for the care that was extended to Tootsie. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.