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Ola Davis Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Ola Davis
Massimiliano Galanti
November 24, 2024
Una grande persona. Ricordo che quando venne a Ravenna chiese di andare a vedere il mare e lì, sulla battigia, con suo marito, pregarono per il popolo Apache.
bonnie berlowe
November 15, 2019
I worked with Ola in a nursing home 48 years ago. She was a working machine. She was kind to the patients and full of good humor. She was a pleasure to be around and all these years later I think of her with love. She was a wonderful friend and a truly giving person. I am sad to know this bright light is gone from the world.
December 11, 2012
We met Ola in the early 1980's when we worked on cultural preservation projects with her late brother, Philip Cassadore. Ola was very active and supportive in any activity that preserved Apache culture. One of our early projects was a recording of traditional Apache songs. This included the voices of both Ola and Philip, among other traditonal Apache people. We have included here a photo of Ola singing at that recording session. We are deeply sadened by her passing and know the honor it has been to know her and members of her family. Our heartfelt condolances go to them all. We know that for Ola having lived, the Apache people are strengthened.
Tim and Pam Ballingham
Tucson, Arizona
Puhipau & Joan
December 7, 2012
We first contacted Ola Cassadore Davis when we were making a documentary about the mountain volcano Mauna Kea here on Hawai'i island whose summit is threatened by astronomical observatory development — similar to what is happening on Mt. Graham. What first attracted us was her name, Ola. In Hawaiian the word means “life, health, well-being.” When we mentioned on the phone that “ola” was a Hawaiian word, Ola told us that her name had come from a Hawaiian man who worked on the Southern Pacific Railroad with her father. When her father announced that he had a new-born daughter, the Hawaiian man asked if the baby could be given the name of his own daughter, Ola.
Besides this connection and that of the two similar struggles to protect sacred mountain landscapes, we learned from Ola's husband Mike Davis about the volcanic origin of the San Carlos terrain and the green peridot crystals mined there, brought up from 50 miles below the surface of the earth eons ago by a huge volcanic eruption. This was similar to our own Hawai'i island, its lava-covered land formed by eruptions from a hot spot deep under the ocean floor, eruptions that produced a green sand beach made of olivine crystals, the same mineral as peridot.
In her interviews, Ola told of being raised by her grandparents who taught her the songs, prayers, healing traditions and survival practices of her people, along with histories of great Apache warriors who resisted the U.S. military. She spoke of her father's efforts to ensure that she had a Sunrise Dance in 1937, even though previously the ceremony had been illegal. She talked of the deep spiritual traditions regarding Mt. Graham, its ancestral burials, precious spring waters and medicinal plants — all of it so similar to Hawaiian traditions on Mauna Kea. She recounted dreams in which the old people begged her to protect the mountain, Dzil Nchaa Si An, dreams that inspired her to years of activism.
We are so grateful to Ola and Mike for sharing their stories and struggles and will always have a special place in our hearts for them. Our thoughts are especially with Mike and the family at this time.
Joan Lander and Puhipau
Na Maka o ka `Aina
Nick Youldon
December 3, 2012
I met Ola in 2000 when she came to Italy to plea for Mt Graham. Ola was an amazing person and a wonderful spirit. She certainly left an impression. Thank you Ola.
From the Staff of Lamont Mortuary
December 2, 2012
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Jim Walsh
December 3, 2012
Condolences to the family of an inspiring leader in the struggle. Sarah and I are proud to have stood beside Ola in defense of sacred places. May you find peace.
Suzan Harjo
December 2, 2012
Ola Cassadore was a strong, inspiring, loving Apache woman, who was devoted to protecting Mother Earth and all her children, especially her beloved Mount Graham. She shared her spirit and knowledge, and led with compassion and optimism. I shall miss her great laugh and good company.
Roger Hardesty
December 2, 2012
It was not until she spoke that I fully appreciated her moral authority. Ola Cassadore Davis has long been an example to me ... that I should do the right thing, that I should make the effort ... no matter how many people are with me and no matter how powerful are those who would stand in the way of justice.
Massimiliano Galanti
December 2, 2012
Ho conosciuto Ola nel 1995, quando fu a Ravenna - Italia, fu un grande onore parlare e mangiare con lei.
Il 23 luglio 1998, fu ricevuta dal Presidente della Camera dei Deputati On. Luciano Violante a cui spiegò la nostra lotta per la salvezza di Dzil Nchaa Si An.
La ricordiamo sempre.
Rep. Daniel Patterson (fmr.)
Daniel R. Patterson
December 2, 2012
Knowing Ola and standing strong with her and others in the fight for Mt. Graham, nature and indigenous rights made me a better man. We'll miss you, Ola. You did a lot of good in this world and your legacy will continue to inspire. We'll feel and honor your spirit forever.
John Welch
December 2, 2012
Long live Ola's indomitable spirit and enduring lessons!
Nzhoo
Loretta Roach
December 2, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Florence, Italy Protest March - 1995
December 1, 2012
Protest - Florence, Italy, March 1995
IL Cerchio (Italy) Italian National Indigenous Peoples Support Network
December 1, 2012
One of the most wonderful and deep spiritual leaders we have met in our life... a true inspiration for all the people who knew her and an incredible source of strength for the Native people she dedicated her life to. May you continue to guide us from the afterlife. We are very proud of having fought with you. You will be greatly missed.
agnese scaglia
December 1, 2012
un abbraccio ideale a Ola, una grande donna che sono fiera di avere incontrato Torino, dove si trovava per la difesa dei diritti degli Indigenous peoples
Linda Hoffman
November 30, 2012
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of a most inspirational leader of her time.
Rosalba Nattero
November 30, 2012
It's with deep sorrow that we knew that our Friend and Sister Ola is passed away, a special person with whom we shared very deep things. Her fight for the Sacred Mountain was also our struggle. With Ola and her husband Mike we have lived unforgettable moments. Ola will always be in our hearts. We are very close to Mike in this time of deep sadness.
Rosalba and Giancarlo from Italy
Leo Mellon
November 30, 2012
My sincere condolences to Ola's family, and to all of her loved ones. Thanks to Ola Cassadore Davis for her strength, integrity, and inspiration.
Emma Cortez
November 30, 2012
Ola, was a great lady who touched many lives! You will be missed! Love Always!
Lisa Preston/Sardina
November 30, 2012
To the Davis/Waterman family we send out deepest condoences for the lost of your wife, mother, aunt, grandmother. Ola was a strong, serious warrior in her fight for Mt. Graham. And yet a caring, loving and light-hearted woman. She will be surely missed by her family and friends. We thank the Creator for her life.
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