Biruta E (Bea) Silverthorn, 87, of Toms River ,NJ, passed away on January 15, 2026 at Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ. Biruta was born in Riga, Latvia on April 15,1938 to Nikolajs Teders and Zenta Torsters. She was 11, almost 12 when she came to the US, escaping the displaced persons camps with her sisters and parents. They came on "The General Black" and on covered wagon. She made a home and life in Lanoka Harbor ,NJ. Biruta is survived by her sister, Vija Kleinfelter of Stevens PA and her 6 children..Donna M Heayn of Lanoka Harbor NJ, Theodore S Butler Jr of Beachwood NJ, Dianna L Wright of Ephrata PA, Barry G Butler of CT, Linda C Viera of Bechtelsville PA and Bonnie S Frisch of Forked River NJ, 18 grandchildren and many, many great grandchildren. There will be no funeral services as per her wishes. However, there will be a memorial service TBD at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on Hickory Lane, Bayville NJ. Her wishes are to be cremated and remain with her family. She was a devoted Christian and fought many obstacles but remained strong in her faith. Her health diminished greatly when she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in her 60's, along with many other health issues. She was loved by many and will be missed greatly. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Rose Garden Nursing & Rehab Facility in Toms River NJ. They went above and beyond their "duties". They truly are a caring staff and as difficult as Biruta seemed to be, they couldn't help but to love her as part of their own family. They took excellent care of her. John 5:28-29 says....

" Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment".