Ann Kes Davis

Ann Kes Davis passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 15, 2011. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at St. Bernard's Episcopal Church, 88 Claremont Road, Bernardsville, N.J. Ann was a resident of Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge, N.J., for 10 years, and previously had lived in Peapack, N.J., for 20 years. Anna Geertrui Kes was born in 1913 in Dondrecht, the Netherlands, the youngest of seven children. Her father, Anthonie, and brothers, Adrian and Pieter, immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island in 1916. Two years later, Ann followed with her mother, Barbera, and silbings, Anthony, Barbera, William and Catharina. They traveled on the Nieuw Amsterdam, reaching the harbor of New York City after celebrating Ann's fifth birthday onboard. Ann grew up within the Dutch community of Hoboken, N.J. Upon graduating from high school, Ann worked for the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City, where she met C. Malcolm Davis, whom she later married. During World War II, they were based in several locations before settling in Basking Ridge with their children. Ann committed her life to family, friends, and the community. A volunteer for Morristown Medical Center and the Virginia Day Camp, Ann was especially devoted to St. Bernard's Episcopal Church in Bernardsville. An active member for almost 60 years, she served on the Altar Guild and Minister Search Committee, and chaired numerous fundraising events for the church. Ann contributed her time and talents to decades of holiday fairs. She was recognized by many in the area for her beautiful watercolors, tole painting and needlepoint designs. Ann personally knitted approximately 85 kneelers, still currently used by St. Bernard's today. In additon to her artistry, Ann was an avid collector of antiques, as well as an accomplished gardener wth a special passion for orchids. Ann lived a fulfilling life in her 97 years, and will be remembered for her energetic spirit, beauty, independence, kindness and selflessness. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Susan (Mason), Craig (Chris), Bruce (Laura), and Grant (Deborah), as well as her grandchildren, Michael, Lauren, Caroline, Kristen and Geoffrey. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Community Fund on St. Bernard's Church or St. Jude Children's Hospital.