Christine Anne Pratt, 71, a thirty-year resident of Belchertown in Western MA, passed away on March 27th, in Northampton, surrounded by close friends.  Christine’s life was devoted to the service of mankind through work for social justice and racial amity and her lifetime commitment to spiritual development. Most of all, Christine wanted to touch people’s hearts, to inspire, and transform. She touched many hearts.
Christine was the daughter of Lyndon E. and Ann (neé Gray) Pratt and grew up in Norwell MA. She graduated from Northampton School for Girls (now Williston Northampton School) and New England College, 1972, majoring in Education. 
Throughout her school years, Christine was active in athletics, theater and the creative and literary arts.  She acted in stage plays in Massachusetts and Connecticut. For over twenty years, Christine worked as a teacher and administrator in early childhood education.  Both of her parents instilled in Christine a deep love and appreciation of literature. For the last two decades of her life, Christine developed her craft in writing and was lauded as a gifted poet.  Her poems are published in many literary journals and anthologies.  
Christine joined the Baha’i Faith after college. She served on Baha’i Institutions in many capacities and positions. Behind all of Christine’s pursuits was the ideal of a unified and diverse world standing on the pillars of justice and love. She brought a spiritual perspective to community building.  Her commitment to social and racial justice was reflected in her membership in the NAACP and long-standing involvement in Citizens for Racial Amity Now in Amherst, Ma. Christine also was an avid student of native indigenous teaching.
Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown, with its wildness and expanses of water, was a place of spiritual connection for Christine. As a child and as an adult, she found inspiration and peace through her long walks in the woods. Nature was her companion and teacher.  
The spirit of Christine lives on in her poetry and in her dedicated life of service. Christine leaves four brothers, three nieces, and six great nieces and nephews as well as many close friends. 
Donations in Christine’s memory may be sent to the Tahirih Justice Center https://www.tahirih.org.
A memorial celebration of Christine’s life is planned via Zoom for August 14th at 7:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada).

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Marlene Ray Girardin, the bright, brilliant, and beautiful comet who first appeared May 22, 1933 in Ealing, England, made a remarkably comfortable and compassionate exit from the gravity of Planet Earth on July 14, 2021 in Amherst, MA.
     Marlene was a woman of incredible courage and character…qualities that that served her well…particularly in her final days. She never wavered from doing what was human and kind; her friends and family knew this, and often sought her counsel… even though her sage advice wasn’t always what they wanted to hear. (It should be noted that Marlene’s wisdom was often dispensed with her sweet – yet sometimes salty – language. Her go-to favorite – unprintable here – rhymed with what you might call your brother who was a trucker. Yet with her lilting British accent, this phrase somehow sounded more complimentary than pejorative.)
     Marlene loved and embraced adventures.  Not the Jane Goodall/Indiana Jones kind… But rather the Everyday Adventures of Life. This was likely instilled at the age of 6, when the blitzkrieg of London mandated that Marlene and two of her siblings be evacuated to the English countryside. Though this displacement lasted three long years, the children were allowed occasional visits home, during which Marlene and Jeanne – her sister, soul mate, and lifelong co-conspirator – would explore the ruins of nearby bombed-out buildings, foraging for shell casings and other wondrous treasures. Adventures indeed!
     This spirit led Marlene to immigrate to the U.S. at the age of 19. “I wanted to travel,” she said.  But when she arrived in Manhattan, she realized that NYC offered all the adventures she needed. And it was there that she embarked on the greatest adventure of her life… her 60-year marriage and love affair with actor Ray Girardin.
     Shortly after they were married, they relocated to California, where Ray’s career blossomed and where Marlene – never content to sit on the sidelines – began an amazingly successful career as the manager (and eventual owner) of an iconic Beverly Hills salon. She and Ray bought a house and life was good; but it became idyllic when they adopted 5 year-old Donny and their house magically became a home. Marlene was a natural mom, and immersed herself in U.S. youth sports, cheering from the bleachers not only for Donny’s team, but for the opponents as well. Her enthusiasm was so contagious that in her very first year as a Little League Mom, the kids on the team named her MVP (Most Valuable Parent). Their “Arcola House” was a favorite spot for kids and parents alike. Marlene was an incredible hostess, and Ray was a deft mixologist, well known for his secret-recipe tequila sunrises. And horrible Dean Martin impersonations.
     After 30+ years in L.A., and with Donny off on a successful career of his own, Marlene and Ray decided to relocate to Kent, CT, where Marlene’s keen sense of style promptly drew the attention of local designers. And in the blink of one of Marlene’s beautiful green eyes, she opened her own thriving space at a successful décor venue, while Ray continued booking numerous acting roles in NY.
     Then it was on to MA – first to The Cape, then to Amherst where they re-united with Marlene’s sister/running mate, Jeanne, and her bon vivant husband, Norton Juster.
    Marlene’s departure from this earthly spectrum propelled her to a joyful celestial reunion with her husband Ray, son Donny, her sister Jeanne, brother-in-law Norton, and her brother Ken.
     Marlene is survived by her sister Joan of England, her brother Brian of Australia, her sister-in-law Nancy Benjamin and husband Gary of Newton NH, her cousin/confidante/pal, Patti Maynard of Northampton, and her daily phone companion and laughter partner, Mike Girardin of Vancouver, CA .
     In addition to her scores of friends on both coasts, Marlene will also be missed and celebrated by dozens of nieces and nephews.

     And at the top of this list are the spectacular Emily Juster of Amherst, and her vibrant, beautiful, and talented daughter Tori. Both are true Guardian Angels who demonstrated their love and devotion to Marlene daily. Emily has been an astute Health Care Advocate, a gateway to legal and financial advice, and an incredibly generous benefactor, providing Marlene with 24/7 care by a team of dedicated and tender superwomen from Gomes Health Care of Hadley. Thank you Maria, Ester, Laidiny, and Keisha for the love and empathy you showered on dear Marlene. And to Hospice Nurse Deb for the same.
     And finally, a grateful Thank You to Dr. Paul Sahd, D.O., of Hadley Family Medicine for treating Marlene not only as your patient, but as your friend. Your skill and understanding meant the world to her.
     In lieu of flowers or other kindnesses, Marlene urged donations be made to the spectacular, compassionate angels who lovingly guided her final orbit: Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Hospice of the Fisher Home
1165 N. Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002

Merilee Hill (Merilee Rydin Carlson Hill) aged 78 years, of 55 Oak Knoll, Amherst, passed away on March 26, 2021, after a brief battle with cancer.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, on May 28, 1942, to Walter Ernst and Kathleen Carlson, Merilee earned her BA in Education and an MA in 1973 in English Literature at UMass. For six months during her undergraduate years, Merilee was an exchange student at the University of New Mexico, and from 1964-65, she spent a year traveling abroad and then settled in Schönberg to study German and teach English as a second language to adult students. In 1966, she entered UMass grad school and participated in the first year of the UMass Freiburg Program for students fluent in German but studying other disciplines. In 1967, Merilee participated in the development of all aspects of Five-College programs as the first Five-College Fellow to work for Five-College Coordinator, North Burn. Devoted to the needs of adult learners, Merilee directed Evening College, started the Credit-Free Workshop Program, and in 1981 moved to the College of Engineering to direct the Video Instructional Program, a distance-learning program (pre-web), which delivered courses remotely by satellite and videotape to industry so that engineers could complete courses for a master’s degree. Merilee was the 1995 recipient of the Chancellor’s University Advancement Award.

Married for over thirty years, Merilee and Sandy Hill traveled widely, engaged with friends, remained active in academic and musical pursuits locally and beyond, and enjoyed visits from extended family. After Sandy’s stroke in 2000, Merilee retired from the University in order to care for Sandy at home and to maintain a rich, active life for them both. Merilee provided two decades of loving care for Sandy before his death in July of 2020.  Merilee was a devoted friend, letter writer, and gift-giver. Lively, energetic, and vibrant, she pursued watercolor, tap dance lessons, Qigong, and practiced daily mindfulness meditation.

Merilee is survived by her daughter Greta Neunder (Red Robinson) of Brooklyn, NY, and stepdaughters Jessie Hill of New Haven, CT, and Rosy Hill (Garry Scott) of Burlington, VT; grandchildren, Samantha and Jack Scott, and Lily and Ada Goren; siblings David, Donald, and Margery Carlson; and sisters-in-law Evelyn Spalding and Wendy Merriman. Memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

Lucy Wilson Benson died July 17, 2021 at home in Amherst, MA from congestive heart failure.  She was 93.

Lucy Wilson Benson served as the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs from 1977 to 1980. When Benson was named to this post, it was the highest position ever held by a woman in the United States Department of State. About her experience as Under Secretary of State, Benson said, ““Don’t ask me what it feels like to be a woman under secretary of state, because I don’t know. I do know what it is like to be an under secretary of state, however.”  “Washington Talk Women in Government; the Pioneers”, The New York Times, Nov. 13, 1986  https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/13/us/washington-talk-women-in-government-tales-of-the-pioneers.html

Prior to joining the State Department, Benson served from 1975 to 1977 as Massachusetts Secretary of Human Services under Governor Dukakis, and as national President of the League of Women Voters from 1968-1974.

One of her many achievements as League president was the admission of men to full membership.  Her husband, Bruce Benson, became the first male member to sign up.  “I had his check with me at the national convention,” Benson said.

In 1976-77, Benson was a member of the Select Committee on the Administration of Congress, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.  She served on the Advisory Committee of the United States Commission on Civil Rights from 1964-71 and the President’s Special Committee on United States Trade Policy in 1968. She chaired the Special Economic Policy Mission to Japan in 1972.

She was also a Trustee of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Vice Chairman of the Atlantic Council of the United States, and member of the Council on Foreign Relations, International Institute of Strategic Studies, and the Trilateral Commission. 

Benson served as a Trustee of Smith College, Lafayette College, the Brookings Institution, and the National Urban League.  She also served as a director of several corporations including, COMSAT, Continental Group, Combustion Engineering, General Reinsurance, Grumman, Logistics Management Institute, Science Applications International, and several funds of the Dreyfus Corporation.  

She received honorary degrees from Amherst College, Bates College, Bucknell University, Carleton College, Clark University, Lafayette College, Springfield College, University of Maryland at College Park, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and Wheaton College.  She received a Smith College medal in 1969.

Benson was born New York City, August 25, 1927.  She received a B.A. from Smith College in 1949 and a M.A. (history) in 1953.  She was a Radcliffe Fellow from 1965-67.  In 1950, Benson married Bruce B. Benson, professor of Physics at Amherst College, who died in 1990.  She is survived by her niece, Lucy James Ordoobadi of Washington, DC and nephew, Ned James, of Ashfield, MA.

James Arthur Freeman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, professor, friend and son died on June 15^th, doing what he loved- working out in the gym.  Capturing 86 years of a life filled with travel, work, friendships and hobbies proves difficult for someone like Jim. He lived a full, blessed life, bursting with memories, accomplishments and adventures. 

Born May 27^th, 1935 in Jerseyville, Illinois to Julius Freeman and Viola Walther, Jim cherished his early years growing up on a dairy farm.  His love of the outdoors continued after his family moved to Rochester, New York where Jim earned the rank of Eagle Scout. 

After attending Hobart College and finishing his undergraduate studies at Amherst College, Jim went to work for Bausch and Lomb for several years as a successful account manager.  However, the business world did not satisfy Jim’s thirst for knowledge.  At his wife’s urging, Jim left the corporate world and enrolled at the University of Minnesota to complete his PhD. in English.  He also served two stints in the US Army, stationed at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington. 

Though Jim loved his time in the armed forces, the pull of being an English professor was greater.  He began his teaching career at the University of Massachusetts in 1968.  For the next 45 years, Jim remained a cherished educator.  He inspired countless students with his infectious passion for Dante, Chaucer, Hemingway and other foundational authors.  He published three books and almost 80 articles on subjects as varied as his interests, ranging from John Milton, to gravestones, to Donald Duck.   He traveled the globe presenting lectures and serving as a guest professor from Italy to Singapore and many places in between.  His love of the Renaissance led him to twice relocate his family to Florence, Italy for yearlong sabbaticals.

Though literature was Jim’s love, nothing eclipsed his adoration of Margaret, his wife of 60 years.  The two moved to Hadley, Massachusetts in 1969 where they both remained until their passing.  There they raised two sons, Matthew and Eric.  Jim shared with them his love of swimming, biking, hiking, and exercise.  His wit, humor, curiosity and interest led to lasting friendships with both colleagues and neighbors, as few were able to resist his charm.

While many will feel his absence, we take solace knowing his children, daughter in-laws, grandchildren, myriad friends and countless acquaintances will keep his memory alive.  Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Arthur Elkins of Amherst, MA passed away peacefully on June 8, 2021 with family by his side.  He was 85 years old.  Art was born February 12, 1936 to the late Samuel and Faye (Chessler) Elkins in Lynn, Massachusetts.  He attended Lynn Classical High School and graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1957.  He earned an MBA from Columbia University and a PhD from Indiana University in 1967. 

In 1968, Art began a 20 year tenure at the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts which included chairing the Department of Management, Associate Dean of the Business School and membership on the Athletic Council and leading University Without Walls.  He wrote 2 text books that were cornerstones of the management program at the University for many years.  His love of education inspired many endowed scholarships for first generation high school students at the Northfield Mount Hermon School, Amherst High School and Lynn Classical High School

Art retired from the University in 1988 to begin a second career with his wife Barbara running WEBS – America’s Yarn Store.  Together they grew the business Barbara started in the basement of the family home into a very successful enterprise, embracing change many times and creating a long lasting legacy in the yarn world.  Art and Barbara passed the company to the next generation of Elkins in 2002.  He continued to work supporting many of its most important customers until recently.

A lifelong love of classical music culminated with a recent tenure on the Board of Directors of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. 

Art was the loving husband of Barbara (Perry) Elkins for over 60 years.  He was predeceased by his brother Sumner and son Michael.  He leaves his wife Barbara, his son Steve and daughter in law Kathy Elkins of South Deerfield, MA, daughter in law Futaba Elkins of New Jersey, grandsons Jackson and Jonathan Elkins and a large extended family.  He will be dearly missed. 

A graveside service is planned for today, Friday June 11 at 2 PM at the Wildwood Cemetery, Amherst.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J Elkins ’80 Scholarship Fund, Northfield Mount Hermon School, 1 Lamplighter Way, Mount Hermon, MA 01354. Memorial  guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Lianne Fleury-Casey, a longtime resident of Amherst, MA passed away in the early morning hours of June 5^th, 2021 with her family by her side. She was 61 years old.

She grew up in South Hadley and graduated from South Hadley High School with the Class of 1978. She then attended Assumption University where she received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Specializing in vocational rehabilitation and psychology, she entered the worker’s compensation, disability and managed care industry with a relatively new company called General Rehabilitation Services. It became her second family and she was one  of the company’s rising stars. As the company was bought and sold several times, she finally retired as Regional Vice President of Genex Services, Inc., a national leader in the field. She was very proud of reaching the top rung professionally as her work life and work relationships were so much a part of who she was. She thrived on the challenges.

She married her high school sweetheart and lifelong love, David Casey and together they had two sons of whom she was most proud.  She was a fiercely protective, loving, attentive, supportive, and nurturing mother. Family was everything to her, and she was involved in every aspect of her children’s lives. She never missed a school play, game, recital, race or event in which her boys participated. Lee put her all into everything she did. She was not one to simply have a party, plant a garden, decorate a house or any number of things she excelled at. Her parties were legendary and memorable. Her gardens were tour worthy and at times breathtaking. And her home at Christmas was something to behold. The neighborhood Halloween party was an event eagerly anticipated by everyone. She set the bar high, and it showed in everything she did.

As a child, her family vacationed on Cape Cod every single year. That ritual was sacred to her and she carried on the tradition with her own family. Five years ago, she and David purchased a small cottage on Swan Pond in Dennisport, and it became her special place. She loved running down for a long weekend with her mom, a week here and there, or inviting her close friends to escape there for a few days. Nothing was more enjoyable to her than a day at the beach. Every morning began with looking out the back window to see if it was a “beach day”. She also enjoyed traveling with her family, and in addition to the memories created at the Cape, trips to Ireland, England, France and Spain were both special and memorable. The name of her Cape house was “Perfect Moments”, and she was continually aware of how important each day was.

Lee was an exceptional person, friend, colleague and mentor. She radiated beauty inside and out, and just loved being present in everything for everyone. She had an innate ability to always say and do the right thing for the people around her. Most important to her was being a good friend to those she was close to, and that list was quite long. Known as an exceptionally giving person, she never missed a birthday, anniversary or other special event without just the right card, gift or phone call. Those who knew her best marveled at how she could juggle so much, constantly look so good, and always light up every room with her smile. Her drive and determination were matched by her empathy and compassion.

Her groups of friends were everywhere. She maintained close relationships from kindergarten, high school, college, her workplace, her neighborhood, and her church. Amongst her closest friends, were her tightknit group of college friends – the Greyhound girls. They were involved in every aspect of her life and are an extended family to her “three boys”.

She and her husband had recently sold their home in Amherst, and were living on Cape Cod while their new home is being constructed in South Hadley. She was looking forward to being back in western Mass again, closer to family and her many old and dear friends. The planning and decorating of this new home was exciting for her, and she relished picking out new furniture, fixtures, textures and colors.

A doting daughter to her parents, she was predeceased by her father, Richard Fleury.

She leaves behind her husband of 36 years, David and her two sons Christopher (31) of Somerville, MA and Alexander (27), of Arlington, VA who are her proudest accomplishments. She also leaves behind her mother Anne Fleury of South Hadley, her brother Richard and wife Teri of South Hadley, sister Pamela and husband Frank Mislak of Cohoes, NY and brother Stephen of South Hadley. The very long list of nieces and nephews, godchildren and in-laws knew they were all lucky to have Auntie Lee in their life.

Visiting hours will be Thursday, June 10^th from 4pm to 7pm at the Douglass Funeral Home at 87 North Pleasant Street in Amherst. A liturgy of Christian Burial will be at 10am on Friday, June 11^th at Saint Brigid’s Church, 122 North Pleasant Street in Amherst with burial immediately following at Evergreen Cemetery in South Hadley.

In lieu of flowers gifts may be made in memory of Lianne to either:

The Pan Mass Challenge to support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at http://pmc.org/DC0366

or to Assumption University, University Advancement, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609.  Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

Patrick Leroy March died peacefully at home on April 30, 2021 in Hadley, MA at the age of 79.

Patrick was born on June 1, 1941 in Harrisburg PA to parents Ralph March and Margaret (Snader) March.

Patrick is survived by his wife Elizabeth Wait March whom he married in 1998.

He is also survived by siblings, Ralph March, Peggy Ann Hamaker, Shirrell Kezck, and Jane Bowers all in Pennsylvania. He is also predeceased by a sister Mary Wildermuntch.

 Debora Macy Taylor “Debby” Davis, 90, of Amherst, passed away April 28, 2021, at the Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital in Ludlow, MA after a short illness.  Born in Springfield, MA on May 31, 1930, she was the daughter of Mary Leanna Henderson Taylor of Indiana and George Rogers Taylor of Wisconsin.

Debby grew up in a colonial era house on Utter Road in Pelham overlooking her much-loved Pioneer Valley.  Her father, George, was the head of the Economics department at Amherst College and her mother, Mary, was a homemaker, historian, and painter, in her later years.

Debby attended Earlham college (where her parents met in 1924) and completed her degree in elementary education at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.  She married her first husband, Walter MacGrath, in 1951.  Walter passed a couple years after that of diabetes. 

Debby was a teaching in the Pelham school and then taught for the Department of Defense at a military base in Germany for a year.  Her experience there inspired her sister Sally and her husband Eric (Hohenthal) to begin their teaching careers with the DOD leading them to a life of service in Germany and Japan. Upon her return from Germany, Debby met Robert Howe “Bob” Davis and they were married in1962.

Debby and Bob bought an old dairy farm on West Pomeroy Lane in South Amherst where he ran his landscape business.  Debby “did the books” in addition to raising a family, teaching, tutoring, providing elder care, and, ultimately, caring for her own mother for 15 years prior to Mary’s passing in 1993.

Debby was a longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst, serving as president at one point and on search committees for ministers over the years.  It was very much a home of acceptance and love for her and her son Dan.  Like her mother Mary, she was a lifelong believer in equal rights for women, people of color, and the LGBTQ community.

One of Debby’s favorite places was her parent’s gingerbread cottage in Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard.  She loved to sit on the front porch and read while drinking the occasional Manhattan, go to the beach, and visit with other family members on the island.  When her boys were young, she would let them explore the island on their bikes, frequently getting poison ivy and mostly avoiding skunks.  She enjoyed the annual lantern hanging celebration, Illumination Night, decorating the cottage with dozens of Japanese lanterns; lanterns that she appreciated even more because of an amazing trip to Okinawa, Japan to visit her sister Sally and her family.

Debby enjoyed reading, cooking, gardening and playing bridge.  She had a wonderful sense of humor, a positive outlook on life and was a joy to be around.  She was very kind and welcoming and both Debby and Bob would invite people into their home when times were tough.  Often their dinner table and their spare room were both full.

Debby is survived by her sister Sally Hohenthal and her husband Eric, of Oak Bluffs, MA; her son Taylor Davis, his wife, Karen Davis, of Amherst, MA and their three wonderful children Ryan, Patrick, and Meghan; and her son, Daniel Davis, and his wife, Pamela Mattson of Hopkinton, MA.  Debby was also lucky enough to have three great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.  Debby was predeceased by her husband, Bob Davis (2017).

The Davis family would like to extend a special thank you to the whole Debcor Home Care team for the care and support they provided Debby. They were instrumental in keeping Mom independent and in her own home.
A socially distanced memorial luncheon for friends and family is planned for Saturday, June 5^th at the home of Taylor and Karen Davis at 577 West Street, Amherst MA, from 1 to 4 pm.  Masks will, of course, be required.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to her much loved Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst at: https://www.uusocietyamherst.org/connection/donate/

 Debora Macy Taylor “Debby” Davis, 90, of Amherst, passed away April 28, 2021, at the Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital in Ludlow, MA after a short illness.  Born in Springfield, MA on May 31, 1930, she was the daughter of Mary Leanna Henderson Taylor of Indiana and George Rogers Taylor of Wisconsin.

Debby grew up in a colonial era house on Utter Road in Pelham overlooking her much-loved Pioneer Valley.  Her father, George, was the head of the Economics department at Amherst College and her mother, Mary, was a homemaker, historian, and painter, in her later years.

Debby attended Earlham college (where her parents met in 1924) and completed her degree in elementary education at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.  She married her first husband, Walter MacGrath, in 1951.  Walter passed a couple years after that of diabetes. 

Debby was a teaching in the Pelham school and then taught for the Department of Defense at a military base in Germany for a year.  Her experience there inspired her sister Sally and her husband Eric (Hohenthal) to begin their teaching careers with the DOD leading them to a life of service in Germany and Japan. Upon her return from Germany, Debby met Robert Howe “Bob” Davis and they were married in1962.

Debby and Bob bought an old dairy farm on West Pomeroy Lane in South Amherst where he ran his landscape business.  Debby “did the books” in addition to raising a family, teaching, tutoring, providing elder care, and, ultimately, caring for her own mother for 15 years prior to Mary’s passing in 1993.

Debby was a longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst, serving as president at one point and on search committees for ministers over the years.  It was very much a home of acceptance and love for her and her son Dan.  Like her mother Mary, she was a lifelong believer in equal rights for women, people of color, and the LGBTQ community.

One of Debby’s favorite places was her parent’s gingerbread cottage in Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard.  She loved to sit on the front porch and read while drinking the occasional Manhattan, go to the beach, and visit with other family members on the island.  When her boys were young, she would let them explore the island on their bikes, frequently getting poison ivy and mostly avoiding skunks.  She enjoyed the annual lantern hanging celebration, Illumination Night, decorating the cottage with dozens of Japanese lanterns; lanterns that she appreciated even more because of an amazing trip to Okinawa, Japan to visit her sister Sally and her family.

Debby enjoyed reading, cooking, gardening and playing bridge.  She had a wonderful sense of humor, a positive outlook on life and was a joy to be around.  She was very kind and welcoming and both Debby and Bob would invite people into their home when times were tough.  Often their dinner table and their spare room were both full.

Debby is survived by her sister Sally Hohenthal and her husband Eric, of Oak Bluffs, MA; her son Taylor Davis, his wife, Karen Davis, of Amherst, MA and their three wonderful children Ryan, Patrick, and Meghan; and her son, Daniel Davis, and his wife, Pamela Mattson of Hopkinton, MA.  Debby was also lucky enough to have three great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.  Debby was predeceased by her husband, Bob Davis (2017).

The Davis family would like to extend a special thank you to the whole Debcor Home Care team for the care and support they provided Debby. They were instrumental in keeping Mom independent and in her own home.
A socially distanced memorial luncheon for friends and family is planned for Saturday, June 5^th at the home of Taylor and Karen Davis at 577 West Street, Amherst MA, from 1 to 4 pm.  Masks will, of course, be required.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to her much loved Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst at: https://www.uusocietyamherst.org/connection/donate/