Sending such love to all that loved Candelaria.  Had the pleasure of becoming ‘cousins’ later in life. She was an extraordinary woman and I am so grateful we had the chance to connect. I’m sure my dad, her uncle, was welcoming her on the other side.  

Candelaria and I worked together at the MBTA for a short time. We were FB friends for years. I always admired her creative talents and ethereal beauty. My heartfelt love and condolences to her family and friends. She was such a special woman. Peace, Consuelo Staton

I met Candelaria in high school where we became fast friends.  She stayed with me briefly when she first came to Boston.  She was a remarkable force of nature and unforgettable.  I miss her already.  My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.

Such a beautiful and gracious, classy woman. A pleasure to have known and called you family. My prayers and condolences to my cousin Tessill and family With love Beth

So sorry to learn of your staggering loss, Tessil.
May you find Peace in knowing that Candelaria Rests Forever in the Loving Embrace of God.
Take care, my friend.

I am so sorry to learn of Candelaria's passing. I never met her in person, but followed her writing for years and ordered several of her booklets. She carried a wisdom and compassion that many of us probably agree we didn't find until we "met" her online. I will be praying for her soul and for her family.

Thank you Candelaria for everything you've done for artists in the Boston community?? You were truly one in a million and I am so grateful I had the blessing to learn from you! Your words of encouragement helped me gain confidence in myself as a creative entrepreneur. Thank you for investing in all of us and leaving behind a strong legacy?? Sending tremendous love to you and your family

To Tessil and the family, blessings and peace during your time of loss. Candelaria was so gracious, kind and a beautiful soul. I am so grateful to have met her and to enjoy the theatre with her. I truly enjoyed
conversations and listening to her speak!

To Tessil, Cyrus and Family, Candelaria, as you all know so well, was such a talented, beautiful and special person.  We read her books, listened to her talks and watched her conduct a great stage interview with Ashley Judd in a large Boston theatre!  Later in life, she and I became "pen pals".  I cherish those letters.  I cherish Candelaria.  She will forever remain in my mind and heart.

My sincere condolences to the Family of Candelaria Silva-Collins,

Candelaria was a very special person — wise, talented, professional and supportive, and a proud wife, mother and grandmother as well.  She was someone whom I — and so many others — looked to for guidance and insight on all topics related to the arts.  If you were on her mailing list, you were kept well-informed about concerts, plays, festivals, readings, art exhibits, film screenings… and so much more.

Along with being a generous and accessible authority on the arts, and sharing her wisdom with so many others, Candelaria was an author, a cultural historian, and an amazing connector.  This quote, often found at the end of her correspondence, gives a sense of what might be considered her personal and professional mission: “Connecting arts & culture to community and community to arts & culture.”  And through her promotion of countless events, including the music radio station of her husband Tessil, she elevated the talent, involvement and importance of people of color in the arts.

I counted Candelaria as an ally and a friend — a friend who left us all too soon.  To her family and loved ones, thank you for sharing Candelaria’s light with all of us who are part of that larger community… the world is a little brighter because of the light that she shared with us all.

Charlotte Golar Richie

Thank you for allowing me to tend to your outdoor living space.  It is truly a pleasure and an honor to contribute to the wellbeing of both you and Tessil as you enjoyed your landscaped environment,

I worked with Candelaria at ACT Roxbury. I appreciated how she was quietly confident, open and candid, all while being personable and loving. She was so loving of her children and her husband and even invited me to a few outings as a young college student in Boston seeking connection. Grateful to have known and learned from her. May she rest in all of her power. God Bless.