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Mary Davis

1928 - 2014

Mary Davis obituary, 1928-2014, Palm Desert, CA

BORN

1928

DIED

2014

Mary Davis Obituary

Mary Davis, the cheeky, indomitable founder of the Portofino Hotel and Marina who broke down barriers as one of the country's first female racecar drivers and a pioneer of Redondo Beach waterfront development, died this week. She was 86.
Davis passed away Monday from heart failure in her home in La Quinta near Palm Desert after a years-long battle with dementia.
The San Diego native had quite the fascinating life, with stints tinkering with tank engines during World War II, driving Aston Martins and Mercedes-Benzes in races across the country through the 1950s, opening a West Hollywood restaurant and later as the longtime owner of the Portofino, the state's first hotel situated in the center of a small-craft harbor surrounded on three sides by water.
Published by Daily Breeze on Dec. 12, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Davis

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16 Entries

Gary Rochow

September 17, 2022

I owned a window cleaning company and we worked there every Friday all day. Great client and person we enjoyed working for Mary in the 70´s.
Gary Rochow

RICK de RUITER

August 17, 2020

I worked for Mary at the Portofino Inn around the late sixties. I found her to be a " rough diamond ". I liked her very much, and we got along great. Both her and her niece Patrice evened visited my parents, when they were on a trip to Australia. Great lady.

David Robertson

November 21, 2017

I came to California from Wales and Mary gave me a job at the Portofino Hotel answering the phone because I told her I knew Tom Jones. Quite a lady!

August 4, 2015

I was so sad to hear of her death, but she made a great impact on my life. I will never forget her kindness. Loving her forever in my heart and mind. (My Aunt Mary). Love forever Mae (Sam (Sammy)Alexander's oldest daughter).

Clyde Fifer

December 18, 2014

I am so glad to have a chance to meet this wonderful women. May god be with you.

Cindy Shuler

December 16, 2014

Mary may you rest in peace in the house of our lord Jesus .

ED SULLIVAN

December 16, 2014

MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP MARY FOREVER

Ed Sullivan

December 16, 2014

I worked with/for Mary Davis for ten years @ Bay Cities National Bank.
In 1992 she was kind enough to invite me aboard her yacht ,the Portofino, in Juneau, Alaska for a week, which was one of the best experiences/adventures in my life.
Mary was the ultimate entrepreneur, kind, compassionate, caring, and just one hell of a lady!
She will truly be missed.
I offer my sincere condolences to the Prestons, her family, and friends & associates.
May the Lord treat her well always.

Ed Sullivan
562-595-8272

David Snider

December 13, 2014

My sincere condolences to the Prestons and friends of Mary. I worked at Portofino in the early 70's, hired by Phil Martinez. Many great memories including Mary's friendship.

December 13, 2014

Mary's racing activities are a formidable part of Triumph cars history condolences to all.
TR Householder
Triumph Register of America
Vintage Triumph Register

December 12, 2014

my condolences to the family for loss. May fond of your loved one continue to be in your heart. May God comfort you at this difficult time.

Gigi

December 12, 2014

Condolences to the Davis Family. Mary was an inspiration to many around the South Bay. My recollection is that she treated everyone equally and always with a smile.

Kathy Frankforter

December 12, 2014

Condolences to the family of Mary Davis. Years ago (70's), my daughter and I lived on a boat at Port Royal Marina (B-Dock) across from Portofino. We use to see Mary all the time and she was always so nice. May she rest in peace. Sincerely, Kathy Campbell-Frankforter & Tara

DANNY HERNANDEZ

December 12, 2014

Condolences to the Davis family from the Hernandez family of ELENA AVE.

HERNANDEZ

December 12, 2014

Condolences to the Davis Family from the Hernandez Family of Elena ave Redondo Beach.

December 11, 2014

Condolences to the Davis family from the Hernandez family of Redondo beach.

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