BORN
1922
DIED
2012
Viola Davis Obituary
Viola Davis, who taught fifth grade for more than 20 years in the Croton-Harmon Schools, died at age 90 on November 17. She was married to Lester Davis, a social worker and educator who died in 1976, and was mother of Seth and Nina. She was a graduate of Hunter and Lehman Colleges and did further study at Columbia's Teachers College. She was widely admired as an innovative, compassionate and inspiring educator.
Viola is survived by her son Seth Davis, and daughter-in-law Elisa, of Croton, her daughter Nina Davis-Millis and son-in-law Christopher Millis, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, her grandsons Mark Davis of Staten Island, New York, Kevin Davis of Croton, and Simon Davis-Millis of Cambridge, and her sister Hadassa Wisch, of Rockland, Maine.
Memorial contributions should be sent to either The Croton Arboretum and Sanctuary, Inc., P.O. Box 631, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520, or to the Bennett Conservatory of Music, 18 Van Wyck Street, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520. A memorial service will be held in the spring.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Alexandra Dunn
November 27, 2012
Dear Seth and Family,
May this special lady rest in peace in your hearts and in heaven.
The Dunn Family
Kathy Kearney
November 26, 2012
Nina and Seth, I'm so sorry for you. Your mom and dad have always been part of my best growing up memories. The Halloween's when they were so detailed in their praise of our costumes and of my mom who made them and being invited in which gave the evening a special quality of warmth and neighborhood. I can see you and your mom and dad taking walks around the neighborhood. Your mom and dad were such a sweet couple. I wish you well during this sad time.
Amy Metnick
November 21, 2012
How could I ever forget Viola's serene beauty, her sheer pleasure in her husband and children, her delight in all things aesthetic and intellectual? Rest in peace, dear woman. And to Seth and Nina and the whole family: I love you.
Susan Heydt
November 20, 2012
Viola gave me one of the greatest gifts -- her compassionate -- and incredibly supportive -- daughter, Nina. Viola's values most certainly shaped the extraordinary person that has been a constant reminder of the need for precision and excellence in all that is educationally significant.
Thank you, Viola, for your gift of Nina.
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November 20, 2012
Viola Davis used to be one of our favorite customers at Valentine Shoes in Croton, NY, and was always such a delight to talk to, so full of love, warmth and good tidings. She was a wonderful person and we send our prayers to her entire family.
Stella and Lance Ganney
Madeleine and Marc Holzer
November 18, 2012
We remember Viola with great love and respect. She was not only an inspirational teacher for our sons; she was also a most valued friend. We miss her wisdom,guidance, and great spirit.
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41 Grand Street, Croton on Hudson, NY 10520
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