Eileen Mary Silvia, also known as Mrs. Hotshots, the Queen of McQueeney, and more affectionately, Mom and Gigi, died on July 20, 2025 peacefully in her home surrounded by her family.  Eileen was born Aug. 16, 1935 to George and Alice Holt in Derby, England. She was the second of their three children.

She grew up in Ramsgate, England and lived there until she met and married U.S. airman, Charles "Charlie" Hanlon. They traveled until they landed in California and separated. While in California, she met and married Tech Sgt. Philip "Phil" Silvia. They were stationed in Turkey for 2 1/2 years before eventually relocating to the San Antonio area with their four children.

During their time in Schertz, they discovered a small campsite in McQueeney called Hotshot's Lakeview Camp which included a bar, that served burgers and hosted Friday night fish fries. They became fast friends with the owner, Hotshot Hartman, who sold them the campgrounds in 1973. They expanded it to a full fledge restaurant that was known for its Friday Night Fish Fries and Hotshot's famous green bean salad.

It was on the banks of the Guadalupe River where Eileen began expanding her family beyond her husband and four children. She considered any and all employees her children and her customers family and friends. She was known for staunchly defending her employees with her quick wit and sharp tongue, but also put those same children in their place when needed. Even after the restaurant closed following the Flood of '98, she still considered everyone family.

She later worked for Seguin ISD as an aide, helping children read — a job she thoroughly enjoyed. She loved talking with the children, and watching them learn and grow. She also spent several years working at Walmart as a door greeter in the garden center, continuing the trend of growing her family with her fellow employees and customers, treating them all like children or grandchildren. She was commonly referred to as the British lady. While she loved all of her extended family, none could compare to that of her immediate family. She especially loved supporting their endeavors, whether they played sports, acted on a stage or enjoyed a night out raising money for a good cause.

She loved basketball and was an avid supporter of the Lady Matador Basketball team until she could no longer drive. She would watch any NBA game that was televised, but none more than the San Antonio Spurs. She had a love of animals and would take in any stray off the street or rescue a pup who she thought was neglected or abused. She supported the Guadalupe County Humane Society every chance she could, and for many years played Santa Claus for their annual fundraiser.

She was quick to give you a hug or give you her personal salute followed by strong words. She was a character and a firecracker, but she had a heart the size of Texas. She was feisty until her last breath.

She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

She is preceded in death by Alice Holt, George Holt and stepmother, Lillian Holt, Phil Silvia, Charlie Hanlon, brother, Geoffrey Holt, and sister Madeline (Richard) Holt Vavricka.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Steven (Carrie) Silvia, Dale (Jana) Hanlon, Kerry (Michael) Frazar, Robin (Stig) Larson; grandchildren: Sabrina (Chris), Erica (Connie), Felicia, Bradley (Jennifer), Tyler (Dayna), Benjamin, William (Kayla), Andrea, and Alexandria; great grandchildren: Clay (Skylar), Christopher, Addison, Connor, Zachary, Weston, Taylor, Paisley; great great grandson: Gauge Wilder; sisters: Caroline (Steve) and Michelle (Clive), sister-in-law Margaret (Holt) Brown, her beloved fur babies Bo and PV, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and adopted family and friends.

In honor of her wishes, instead of a funeral, the family invites everyone to celebrate her life from 2 to 6 p.m. on Aug. 16, 2025 at the Geronimo Community Center, 280 Navarro Drive, Seguin in a come and go style party, with words from family and friends at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, make donations to the Guadalupe County Humane Society, Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation's Bras For A Cause, or any charity of your choice.

Cheers!