Marialyce Davala

AUGUSTA, MAINE

Marialyce "M-A" Davala, age 78, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the Alfond Center for Health in Augusta, following a brief illness. She was born in Augusta, ME, on April 30, 1947.

Marialyce was a graduate of Hall-Dale High School, class of 1965, and earned her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Maine in Orono, graduating in 1969.

Being an independent woman, Marialyce made a bold move in 2000, at the age of 53, when she packed up her car and drove to the Bay Area to begin a new chapter. There she resumed her career as an elementary school teacher-a role that suited her. She formed many close bonds and friendships in California, and her friends often joined her on travel adventures to Alaska, the Caribbean, and most recently, Europe. Marialyce found joy in simple pleasures. You could often find her cozy at home, watching TV-especially Dateline-or reading her People magazine. She loved her cat and all her grand-dogs, even naming one of them when asked to name her grandchildren. Her sleep schedule was unique and always amused us-we never quite figured it out. She also had a knack for the "Irish exit" and enjoyed lighting candles while practicing Kabbalah daily. She was deeply interested in Eastern philosophy and medicine.

Marialyce had been employed for many years as a third-grade teacher at Cesar Chavez Elementary School in Richmond, CA, retiring in 2020.

She is survived by her children: daughter Erin M. Skehan and her husband Alan Claude of Farmingdale, son Matthew J. Skehan and his wife Rebecca of Farmingdale, and son Joseph A. Skehan and his wife Leanne of Centerville, TX; five grandchildren-Amelia Skehan, Zac Claude, Mira Skehan, Evie Claude, and Elle Claude; her niece Ali Davala Thorne, her nephew George A. Davala IV, and her sister-in-law Georgia Davala.

Marialyce was predeceased by her parents, George A. Davala II and Ruby Davala, and her brother, George A. Davala III.

At her request, there will be no public visiting hours or funeral service. She asked her family to enjoy a few martinis and share some good laughs in her honor.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff on 2 West at the Alfond Center for Health, especially RN's Kirsten and Allison and their CNA assistants, for the love and compassion they showed to Marialyce and the family during her time there.

In lieu of donations, the family simply asks that you give your mother a big hug, take her out for a meal, tell her you love her, and remind her of how much she means to you.

Marialyce will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

This poem was found in her last will and testament folder, and we believe she wanted us to share it:

"Chapter One of My Life

I walk down the street. There's a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter Two

I walk down the same street. There's a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I'm in the same place! But it isn't my fault. And it still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter Three

I walk down the same street. There's a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it there. I still fall in. It's a habit! My eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.

Chapter Four

I walk down the same street. There's a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.

Chapter Five

I walk down a different street."

- Portia Nelson, There's a Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery