Marit Johanne Davis

Marit Johanne Christiansen Beecroft Davis died peacefully on August 2, 2024, at the age of 88. Born on March 20, 1936, in Oslo, Norway, to Reidar Thoralf and Karin Lundblad Christiansen, Marit lived a life filled with joy, resilience, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and the great outdoors.

Marit grew up in Blommenholm, Norway, during a time marked by the Nazi occupation. She often told stories of her childhood, such as how she and other children wore patriotic red hats as a way to show resistance. Their mothers sewed ties on the hats to keep them in place when German soldiers tried to pull them off. Her memories painted a picture of courage and strength in a family active in the resistance movement.

Marit's parents instilled in her a love of nature from early on. She often fondly recounted skiing hut-to-hut on Easter vacations and hiking the beautiful Jotunheimen mountains. In high school, her athleticism shone through as she proudly competed in track and field, cherishing her high jump and long jump medals, at a time when women's events were limited.

After high school, Marit came to the United States with her parents, where her father was a visiting professor at Indiana University. What was meant to be a temporary U.S. stay became permanent when she met and married Robert Beecroft, her first husband. They moved frequently in the Midwest where three of Marit's four children were born. This was a challenging time as the young couple struggled to make ends meet, and Marit faced difficulties trying to assimilate into American culture as an outsider with no immediate family support. Eventually settling in Queens, NY, Marit earned a BS in Biology from Queens College while raising her family, mostly on her own. She was grateful for nearby Kissena Park, where she shared her love of nature with her children.

Through the years, Marit enjoyed many adventures with her children – annual trips to Vermont to visit relatives, hike, and pick blueberries, and summers in Montauk, NY, and later in Nags Head, NC. They also made several trips back to Norway to visit family and enjoy the Norwegian experience.

After moving her family from New York to Woodbridge, VA, Marit began her career as a lab biochemist. After her first husband died, she moved to Reston, VA, where she spent over 15 years creating a new chapter in her life. It was during this time that she rediscovered orienteering, a sport that combined her love for nature and adventure. Marit was a 7-time national age group champion in this sport and volunteered hundreds of hours to the Quantico Orienteering Club, where she made many lifelong friends.

It was through shared enthusiasm for orienteering that Marit met the love of her life, Don Davis, her second husband. Their bond was immediate, and they became inseparable partners for over 40 years. After retirement, they traveled the country in their beloved camper, Bubba, enjoying many outdoor adventures.

Eventually, Marit and Don settled in Shepherdstown, WV, where they became an integral part of the community and volunteered for many activities. Many days were filled with simple pleasures: sitting on the deck with Moose, their beloved cat; enjoying a beer, and marveling at their beautiful garden. Marit's love for her family and her desire to pass along her Norwegian traditions made holiday celebrations magical as each year she created a Julebord Christmas feast packed with traditional Norwegian food. Her skill in the kitchen was matched by her talent for knitting beautiful Norwegian sweaters, mittens, and socks. She was also a skilled weaver, who made prize-winning textiles on her loom.

In 2021, Marit and Don moved to the Crossings at Bon Air in Richmond, where they continued to make memories with new friends. While her health declined, Marit's spirit remained Viking strong. She found solace in visits from her family and the beauty of the outdoors, often remarking on the "dancing trees" as the wind rustled through the leaves.

Marit is survived by her devoted husband, Donald L. Davis, her four children-Karin Beecroft (Pete Riley), Erik Beecroft (Nancy Walsh), Kris Beecroft, and Marit Luersen (Bob), and her three stepchildren-Jane Davis (Kurt), Andy Davis (Rebecca), and Joan Jones (Roscoe). She was a beloved Mormor and Farmor to 10 adoring grandchildren and 3 great-granddaughters, and Kickan to her 9 nieces and nephews in Norway and Denmark. She was preceded in death by her four siblings-Bengt Christiansen, Nina Skielboe, Elin Smit, and Peter Christiansen, and her stepdaughter, Dawn Davis.

Marit will forever be a source of inspiration. Her kindness, joyfulness, beauty, and warmth touched so many lives. In her honor, we invite you to sit outside in the sun, raise a pint, and celebrate the life of an extraordinary woman.

A celebration of life will be held on Oct. 19 at Maymont in Richmond, VA. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to Orienteering USA.