Annette Silvester
The fourth living child of Angela and Vito Silvester, Annette, was born on April 25, 1899 in New York City. As a youngster, she was bouncy and full of life. A tomboy, at ta time when little girls were supposed to be shy and fragile, she was often found climbing trees or playing games with the boys. She was bouncy and always had a sparkle in her eye, so her mother was often suspect as to what she would do next. Like her brothers and sisters, she was an obedient child (you couldn’t be otherwise in that household) and performed her chores and studies with diligence. She was close with her brothers and sisters, but her brother, Tom, held a special place in her heart.
As a young girl, Annette was quite the equestrian and participated in many of the horse shows in Central Park, NYC. Her father thought it was too dangerous and was very upset when she broke her nose when she was thrown from a rearing horse.
A graceful young lady, Annette studied Spanish dancing and performed in a few small shows or benefits. She loved to dance and learned all the popular dances of the day. She was allowed to attend some dances as long as they were properly chaperoned, but if she thought her mother would disapprove, she just told her she would be with some of her girlfriends.
She was always a lady, but active, rambunctious, and looked for a good time, with or without her mother’s approval. Of course, her mother was very straight-laced and considered most ‘fun’ activities to be sinful! She held an office job, and one in a millinery shop, but mostly did volunteer work for Social Services and Mother Cabrini (the auxiliary that was formed).
In her early twenties, she met Charles Paterno and fell in love. One day after they were engaged, her mother queried Charlie: “You don’t kiss my daughter, do you?” Of course, he assured her he did not….