Ilda da Silva was born in Alvor, Faro District, Portugal, on 16 April 1913 (claims 28 February), to parents José Lourinho da Silva and Joaquina Maria. Her father was a fisherman, and her mother was a housewife.

In 1936, she married Joaquim Paulo da Silva in Algarve. The two were married for 46 years, until her husband’s passing in 1982. Her husband was 73 at the time of his passing. The couple had five children (three sons and two daughters). She gave birth to their last child, Maria de Deus Carrilho, at the age of 43. She spent her youth and the first years of her adult life in Alvor. Following her marriage, she moved to the Lisbon region with her husband. They initially settled in Pedrouços and later moved to Belém. Her husband, a master in the Merchant Marine, spent extensive periods at sea. In addition to raising their children, she pursued sewing as a passion. For many years, she worked as a seamstress at the renowned fashion boutique Migacho, situated in downtown Lisbon, which played a significant role in revolutionizing the fashion trends for young Portuguese women during the 1970s and 1980s.

At the age of 94, she moved in with her youngest daughter. At the age of 106, she fell and fractured her femur, requiring surgery. The significant loss of mobility and autonomy necessitated more specialized support, prompting her move into a nursing home.

As of January 2024, she had 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. When asked about the secret of her longevity, she attributed it to being consistently mindful of her diet, particularly avoiding overeating, especially in the evenings. One of her favorite foods is fish.