Gypsy da Silva

Gypsy da Silva, a beloved sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on January 23, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on March 21, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio, Gypsy’s unusual childhood was international. Her father’s work as a US trade advisor took the family abroad to Japan from 1948 - 1952 and to Iran from 1952 - 1956. En route to and from Iran, the family drove across Europe and the Middle East when few were doing so, leaving Gypsy with an abiding interest in travel and other cultures.

She attended the Mary Burnham School in Northampton, MA, and Barnard College and received her BA degree from Fairleigh Dickenson College, where she was active in theatre, performing major roles in The Crucible and She Stoops to Conquer, among others.

In 1966 she began a lifelong career in publishing, eventually becoming the Associate Director for copy-editing at Simon & Schuster publishers. She was highly respected in her field, known for her love of language, her precision in editing, and for mentoring young people. She copy-edited books from such well-known authors as mystery writer Mary Higgins Clark, historian David McCullough, and political figures Henry Kissinger and Hilary Clinton. She contributed a chapter to the essential guide book "Editors on editing : what writers need to know about what editors do”.

In later years Gypsy devoted herself to a spiritual life of giving back to others. She led meditation sessions at the Church of the Transfiguration (also known as The Little Church Around the Corner). She became an Associate at the Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, NY. and worked as a volunteer at St. Edward the Martyr and St Mary the Virgin Episcopal Churches in New York City.

Gypsy was preceded in death by her loving parents, Silvino and Charlotte da Silva. She leaves behind her sister, Ginger da Silva, and her nieces, Carmen and Ramona. Additionally, she is survived by her great nieces and nephews, Leo, Louisa, Mila, and Felix, all of whom brought joy to her life. Her legacy will live on through the numerous lives she touched with her warmth and generosity.

A funeral service to honor Gypsy’s life will take place on February 6, 2025, at The Church of the Transfiguration in Manhattan, New York. Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate her remarkable life and the love she so freely shared. The service will begin at 2:00 PM, with the concluding ceremony held at 3:00 PM.