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Katharine Anne Davis
Katharine Anne Davis
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Katharine Davis Obituary
Beloved wife of Jonathan, loving mother of Nathan, cherished daughter of David Symanow, and dear sister of Michael (Melissa) and Megan Symanow, passed away on Sunday, the 6th of October 2024.
Starting with her graduation from Divine Child High School, Katie gravitated toward education. She continued on this path as a student at Michigan State University, where she earned both an undergraduate degree in secondary education and a master's in educational technology. She was blessed to have been able to pursue her passion for education by being an English teacher at Marian High School for 10 years. Through all of these paths, Katie not only sought out and joined existing communities, but brought people together wherever she went.
That trend continued when Katie decided to pursue her long-held dream of attaining a Juris Doctor degree. While teaching full time, and with a toddler at home, she studied for the LSAT, which led to her earning a place at the prestigious Wayne State Law School. Again, Katie thrust herself into the role of student with gusto, becoming Managing Editor of the Wayne Law Review, a distinguished member of the Wayne Law Moot Court team, and a Dean's Fellow. Through her time at Wayne, Katie once again knitted people together, creating lasting networks of friendship, love, and support.
Community was just as, if not more, notable when Nathan entered the family in 2017. Another life-long dream, Nate was a long-awaited blessing that was a continual font of love and joy for the family. Katie cared deeply about Nathan's well-being and education and felt strongly about ensuring that he had a broad, trusted community around him to help guide and nurture him through his early years. In typical fashion, Katie once again helped weave together a large, but tight-knit, group that continues to help support Nate through this difficult time.
Katie is additionally survived by two fat tabbies, who were a source of love, irritation, and comfort, all in equal measure.
Funeral Service Information:
The memorial Mass will be held on Friday, October 11th, at 11:00 AM at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, 16101 Rotunda Dr, Dearborn, MI 48120.
The Mass will be followed by a luncheon at Park Place Caterers, 23400 Park St, Dearborn, MI 48124.
Memorial contributions may be made to: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/giving
Please take a moment to share a memory or a story about Katharine or to leave a condolence for the Davis Family on Katharine's Tribute Wall.
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Christine wofford
October 20, 2024
I am so saddened to just hear of Katie´s passing .. she was such person .. olivia so enjoyed her friendship at our lady of good counsel in Plymouth and later at divine child high school in Dearborn .. I was so tickled to hear of all her accomplishments .. pray for her soul
Angel Edwards
October 11, 2024
Ms. Davis was truly remarkable. During my time at Marian, which was often challenging, she was one of the few teachers who consistently supported me. She encouraged the creation of the Diversity Matters Club, gifted me my first advocacy novel, and inspired me to attend an HBCU. Ms. Davis instilled in me the courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity, a lesson I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am forever grateful for her guidance and compassion. My deepest prayers and love go out to her family during this time.
Angel Edwards
October 10, 2024
Ms. Davis impacted so many people’s lives not only with her intelligence but with her grace, integrity and love of family. We hope to continue in her footsteps by leading as she did. Forever grateful. With love, Angel Edwards, Madison and Korrin Dering
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Ellie Kindseth
October 10, 2024
Mrs. Davis was such an amazing person, and I am so grateful that she came into my life when I transferred to Marian. She made a difficult transition exponentially easier - always there to listen, always there to help make me feel more welcome in a new and intimidating environment. She made sure to check in on me even when I wasn't in her classes anymore, supporting me through college applications & decisions, robotics competitions, and beyond. I don't know if I told her how much of an impact she made on my time at Marian, but I'll never forget her constant presence of support and positivity when I needed it most.
Ann McGowan
October 10, 2024
In 2015, I unexpectedly returned to Marian the week before school started to teach World Literature. Katie taught in the room next door. She welcomed me warmly and cleared space in her book shelf for me to store my books and teaching materials. When I needed "tech" help, she was always ready with a smile, patience, and expert advice. Katie made time for me, and for everyone - her students, her colleagues, her friends. After school, students often came to her classroom and stood in line to seek her advice.
An example of her devotion to her students occurred when Katie took a sick day to travel to the Cleveland Clinic for a check up. I was surprised to see her in the hallway that morning. She explained that she came in early to help some students with a project before driving to Cleveland for her appointment. Her kindness, teaching expertise, and compassion were boundless.
I had the honor of substitute teaching for Katie during her maternity leave when she and Jon welcomed their beautiful Nathan into their lives. Katie left me large binders of detailed lesson plans for her students. She also arranged several live video lessons for her AP students so that she could explain more technical points. The students were so excited on those video days. The wonderful relationship between Katie and her students was a joy to watch. They loved and trusted her.
Katie was a gift to the world around her and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Elizabeth James
October 10, 2024
Mrs Davis,
To say that you were a light in the Marian Community would be an understatement. I never had the pleasure of having you as a teacher. However, as I walked through the hallways I could always count on you to smile and say hello. When I would peak in your class room to say hi to one of my friends during home room or crossing classes you would always ask how I was doing. I remember you caring for your students and your commitment to diversity. Even wanting to teach an Afro Lit course... often times I noticed that you remembered to see the students who felt overlooked and unseen. That kind of kindness and light goes beyond life. I know the Lord has welcomed you home with open arms saying, "well done." To be absent in the body is to present with the LORD. I´m praying for your husband, your child, and your family and friends during this time of immense bereavement.
Jessica Suan
October 10, 2024
Mrs. Davis not only possessed exceptional kindess, wit, and grace, but she also held such fervent compassion and understanding for all persons of any race, class, creed, or status, which was evident in the manner of how she approached each day. I was fortunate to be one of the many students she taught, holding immense respect, and carrying a special fondness for her that extended far beyond my years at Marian. Mrs. Davis was truly one of a kind - unmatched in her determination and perception. She had the rare, gorgeous quality of making someone feel seen and heard, recognizing their authenticity and character unburdened by prejudice or bias. I was blessed to witness this firsthand, as throughout the duration of when I was enrolled in her class, she not only helped me to find my voice, hidden by anxiety and introversion, but she also inspired to grow more confident in my ability to use this voice and advocate not only for myself, but for others as well. The impact she had on not only my life, but also the lives of so many others is truly immense, and I am absolutely certain that her memory will be carried on through every act of courage and empathy enacted by all of those who were fortunate to cross paths with her.
Julia
October 9, 2024
Mrs. Davis was a wonderful teacher and inspired my own journey into education. I wouldn´t be the person I am today without her guidance, advice, and inspiration.
Tess Mervenne
October 9, 2024
As a past student of Mrs. Davis, I´m beyond devastated by this news. She was one of my favorite teachers in high school. The recommendation letter she wrote for me while I was applying to colleges earned me a scholarship that allowed me to afford my college education. I´ll always remember the day that she participated in a fundraiser for the school´s theater program (a teacher rap battle). She put her whole heart into her performance, not because she loved to rap, but because she loved her students, and we loved her.
Uche Ike
October 9, 2024
She was my AP English teacher and she was my home room teacher at a point too. I remember her looking at me and seeing so much potential in me. She helped me with my college essays, she knew the struggles my family and J were going through and she had nothing but sweet compassion for me and she always pushed me to be the best I could be. Her humour was unmatched and I´ve always been grateful for her being a force of goodness in my life. I´ll miss her dearly as will everyone else.
Michele Wells
October 9, 2024
Ms. Davis was a truly kind and generous person. She cared for her students deeply. She was very kind to my daughter Emily, at Marian. I pray for her and her entire family during this difficult time! God bless!
Maura Ahlborn
October 9, 2024
had the privilege of working with Katie at Marian HS. Katie was such a kind, compassionate, passionate, and talented teacher with a huge heart! One of my fondest memories of Katie when she got in stage with guitar and pretended to play while lip synching the lyrics to Green Day´s- Time of your Life- just to make the seniors feel special and loved. Another time she wrote me a sweet card and gave me a little gift just to say she appreciated me. These are just a few examples of how Katie always tried to make everyone feel important, valued, and loved. It was such a huge loss when she left Marian to pursue her law career! I remember thinking how amazingly lucky her clients would be to have Katie represent them! It breaks my heart to know is such a special person is no longer with us. My condolences to Katie´s family and friends; may God hold you all in the palm of his hand and give you comfort during this extremely difficult time.
Brendan Coleman
October 9, 2024
Katie was a classmate and friend at Wayne Law. We took several classes together and would hang out after or between periods. Especially in a field that can be so cutthroat, she was a genuinely kind person with a great heart and was always around when people needed support. She was sorely missed at graduation due to her illness, and will continue to be. My heart goes out to her family; I cannot imagine what you are all going through right now, but you have my sincere condolences.
Mary Beth Walsh
October 9, 2024
Katie was a summer associate at my firm in summer 2023. It was such a joy to get to know her. She had a strong and confident presence and a great sense of humor. Katie was eager to continue to learn the practice of law, and would have been a fantastic attorney. We were so looking forward to her joining us as an associate next Fall, and she will be dearly missed by her Dykema family.
Ronnie Brueck
October 9, 2024
I didn´t know Katie personally but she was so kind to my daughter. She was my daughter´s first friend at Wayne State Law School. Chloe always talked about how kind and generous Katie was. I will be forever grateful that Katie was so kind and welcoming to Chloe during a new, unsure time in her life. Chloe called me with the news this morning and my heart breaks for her family and all who knew her. I´m so very sorry.
Lisa Savage
October 9, 2024
I didn't know Katie well, but something that was clear when I met her was how very much she loved and supported her students. She was one of the robotics team's most consistent supporters, there to cheer our kids on at all of our local events. Her amazing kindness and energy will not be forgotten.
Emily Wells
October 8, 2024
I will always remember the times when she would let me vent to her about classes or events happening in my life. She never made me feel uncomfortable about expressing myself. Her door was as always opened for any student to come to her. It hurts my heart to know she is gone. Her passion for her students and profession were unmatched. She impacted my life in ways I cannot explain.
Marcella Zarouk
October 8, 2024
When a teacher insulted my cultural background, Mrs. Davis stood up for me and reported the instance to the administration. To this day, she is perhaps the only person who ever stood up for me when my culture was insulted. Her goal was to support her students and have a hand in justice. When she couldn't pursue her legal passions right away, she became a teacher because she saw it as another avenue to have an impact on young women. She taught me AP Lang and stepped up to teach me AP Lit when our teacher suddenly left. I was able to ear 8 college credits from my high school course work because of her. She went on to write my college letters of recommendation. I graduated the year she left to pursue law school and she continued to encourage me in my own legal interests. Her goal in life was to have an impact and she did her best to guide me towards my own goals. Her passion, care, and love will never be forgotten.
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