January 12, 1928 to April 26, 2022
Mary Fay Davis
Mary Margaret Fay Davis died peacefully on April 26, 2022, in Bothell, Washington at the age of 94. She was blessed with a life full of love for her family and friends. Mary will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Mary was born in San Francisco, California on January 12, 1928, to Carolyn Margaret Stevens Fay and Francis James Fay, followed by her sister Joan Fay Young. She grew up on 35th Avenue in the Sunset District in San Francisco. Mary and Joan attended St. Anne’s Grammar School, where they received their First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Growing up Mary loved to ice skate, act in plays, participate in Girl Scouts, and she even played basketball. She graduated from Presentation High School in 1946, and then went off to San Francisco State University. Mary studied education and drama in college. That is where she met Robert Hudson (Bud) Davis. They both were enrolled in a drama class at SFSU. Their professor asked them to mimic a clock…one representing the hands, and the other representing the pendulum on stage. It was love at first sight! Their first date was at the SF Opera House seeing “Carmen”. During their courtship, they loved to dance at the Tonga Room in the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.
Mary and Bud both graduated and were married at Holy Name of Jesus Church in the Outer Sunset on June 18, 1950. They lived in the Sunset, the Marina, and Park Merced. Then five children were to follow…Mark, Patty, Ron, Ken, and Jeff. They purchased their first home in 1954 on Strawberry Point in Mill Valley, CA. There were so many good memories celebrating holidays and birthdays with family, friends, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mary and Bud loved to decorate, entertain, and cook up a storm. She always made cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and raspberry squares for after school snacks. We had many great outdoor barbeques together. The family vacationed in Twain Harte, Lake Tahoe, and Carmel. The family grew and moved to San Mateo, CA in 1962. Mary and Bud loved their new home. It was a two story, with a circular driveway and a big backyard filled with fruit trees. Mary enjoyed gardening. The yard was always filled with beautiful flowers and plants. Her homemade delicious apricot-pineapple and plum jams were always a hit! Mary taught CCD at St. Catherine’s of Siena School. She was also involved as a den mom in Cub Scouts, with Girl Scouts, and trapesing all over with sporting activities.
Bud was promoted with William Volker Corporation to the Northern California Branch, and the family moved up to Sacramento in 1966. Mary became the Vice Principal and Junior High teacher at Our Lady of the Assumption School, where she taught for six years. Mary and Bud were fortunate to travel to Hawaii, Mexico, and Japan for vacations. They loved the beach, the ocean, and the tranquility. In 1972 the Northwest became Bud’s territory. They moved to Mercer Island, WA, where they lived for 16 years. Mary began throwing pottery and studied crewel work for many years. She also became the Vice Principal and Junior High teacher at St. Monica’s Catholic School.
Mary joined Ryther League in helping to support children and mental health services through fundraising and volunteer work. She also was affiliated with Providence Hospital Gift Shop, serving as a buyer for many years. She loved her friends there and was involved with Providence O’ Christmas Tree raising funds for the ministries of Providence Home and Community Center.
Bud retired early as his health began to decline. Mary always stood close by his side. They moved to Bellevue in 1986. Mary began working in retail sales and management. In 1988 – 1989, four of their kids married and they had their first two grandchildren, Ashley and Andrew. They were overjoyed! Soon after, Bud passed away on August 18, 1989. God rest his soul. They were married for 39 years. It was a very difficult time for Mary and the family. She became involved with Sacred Heart Parish Bereavement Group in Bellevue, again volunteering to help those in need, and giving of herself to others.
Mary loved her sister Joan and traveled down for many visits to Southern California. She cherished her family, and all of the special family gatherings we shared together. She celebrated her Surprise 80th Birthday on Whidbey Island, and her 90th Birthday in Kirkland, WA. Mary was loved by one and all. She had a quick wit, a great sense of humor, and a loving heart. She remembered everyone’s birthday and made an effort to send a card or call. She enjoyed watching hummingbirds, See’s Candy, shopping for clothes, playing Shanghai, and watching sports. She will always be in our hearts, and truly missed.
During the final weeks of Mary’s life, family members from near and far were at her side. At the time of her passing, she was in the arms of Connie Sanchez, her dear friend and caregiver for the last nine years.
Mary is survived by her son Mark Davis, his wife Linda Davis, her daughter Patty Davis Ellis, her son-in-law John Ellis, her grandchildren Andrew and Carolyn Ellis, her son Ron Davis, his wife Celia Davis, her son Ken Davis, his wife Diane Davis, her grandchildren Melanie and Rachel Davis, her son Jeff Davis, his wife Sallie Davis, her grandchildren Ashley Davis Thompson, and Taylor Fay Davis, her sister Joan Young, her niece Toni Young Brown, and her nephews Timmy and Charlie Young.
Mary Margaret Fay Davis will be buried at St. John’s Cemetery in San Mateo, CA next to her beloved husband Bud. God bless them both. May they rest in peace together always.
The post first appeared on Barton Family Funeral Service.