Wendy Barton Silhavy
September 18, 1966 – September 27, 2024
Wendy Barton Silhavy, 58, of Berwyn, IL, died peacefully on September 27, 2024. Wendy was born on September 18, 1966, and raised in Minnesota. She was the devoted wife of Michael; beloved daughter of Saundra and Gary Dickerson, and the late Warde Barton; dearest sister of Ara Barton and his wife Christine; dear aunt of Quinn, Haywood, Cristian, Kali, Daniel, Samantha, and Peter; daughter in law of Vicki and the late Frank Silhavy; fond sister in law of Michele Perisin, Stephen (Susan) Silhavy, and Kristen (Mitchell) Piekos.
Wendy was the Senior Coordinator for Liturgy and Music for the Archdiocese of Chicago. An accomplished musician, she received her degrees from Drake University in Des Moines, IA, and St. John’s University School of Theology in Collegeville, MN.
Prior to moving to the Chicagoland area, she held positions as music and liturgy director for parishes in Minnesota and Missouri. Wendy shared in the artistic and administrative leadership of the American Pilgrimage Choir, which allowed for hundreds of singers from across the country to sing at cathedrals, churches, shrines, and holy places throughout the world.
Hobbies included travel, opera and concerts, gardening and cooking. For some inexplicable reason, Wendy and Michael welcomed five very large Alaskan Malamutes into their home over the years where they (mostly) brought great joy and happiness.
A gifted organist, pianist, singer, flautist and conductor, she was a welcome and frequent presence at a number of parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Wendy will be remembered by parish ministers and clergy as a respected colleague, skilled workshop presenter, knowledgeable resource person and compassionate listener.
A Visitation and Vigil for the Deceased was held on October 3 at St. Paul IV Parish (St. Mary Church), Riverside, IL. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on October 4 at Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago. Interment was at Saint John’s Abbey and University, Collegeville, MN.