Laconia, NH-----Maria L. Davis, 85, of Laconia, died Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI.
She was born in Caserta, Italy on May 1, 1926, the oldest daughter of the late Madalena and Castrese Sica.
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, Maria is survived by her children Madeleine Neale, Karen Arthur, Linda Husman, Philip J. Davis, Doretta Simoes, Larry Davis, Lori Davis-Miller, Kim Davis, and Alida Sheridan and their spouses. Additionally, she will be missed by her twenty-nine grand and great-grandchildren as well as her sisters Lidia Sica, Julia Brancatti, and Luisa Borneto. Maria is predeceased by her husband, Philip C. Davis; her son, Peter Davis; her daughter, Maria Lisa Davis; and her granddaughter, Maria Pearl Miller.
Maria met the love of her life, Philip, husband of 61 years, when Phil served his country during WWII in Naples, Italy. At the time, Maria served as an interpreter for the U.S. Army translating soldiers’ correspondences. Together their tour of duty included Italy, Germany, Okinawa, Japan, and later New Hampshire, New York, and California. After honorable retirement in 1967, Maria and Phil moved their large family to the homestead in Laconia, NH.
Maria was the ultimate mother to her children and Nonna to her grandchildren, dedicating herself to her family first and always.
She was a talented homemaker, seamstress, and wonderful chef. Maria loved travel and mastered several languages.
Maria leaves her family a lifetime of treasured memories.
Calling hours will be from 6 to 8:00 pm on Friday, October 7, 2011 at the Wilkinson- Beane-Simoneau-Paquette-Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 AM on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at Saint Andre Bessette Parish at Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH.
Burial will follow at the Bayside Cemetery, Laconia, NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in Maria’s name. Email condolences may be sent to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N. H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.