Ruth A. Davis Lavanchy died at the Armenian Nursing Home on August 30, 2005. Ruth was 104 years old, born on March 3, 1901 in Nashua, NH to Margaret Louise (Coffey) and Frederick Davis. The family made their home in Brookline, MA where Ruth lived until she married Charles M. Lavanchy of Lausane, Switzerland in 1919. Ruth is the mother of five children: Margaret Noble of Woburn (deceased); Charles M. Lavanchy of Scituate; Barbara Smith of Boston; Jean Lavanchy of South Dartmouth and Allen Lavanchy of Stockbridge. “Nana”, as she was affectionately called by family and friends, has 26 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and 14 great great grandchildren.
Ruth was employed by the William Filenes for 30 years. She was an avid baseball fan who as a child attended Braves games with her father. Later she became a Red Sox fan and could recite the batting and pitching averages of all the players. She attended games regularly and only in her later years purchased cable so she could continue to cheer her beloved team. Horse racing was another favorite pastime for Ruth. She followed the races and often was accompanied to the track by her son and grandson.
At 104 years, Ruth never lost her enthusiasm for good company and good sport. She lived for over as century and was an eyewitness to so many historic events. Like Antoine de Saint-Exupery in his book “The Little Prince”, Nana knew that “What is essential is invisible to the eye. It’s only with the heart that one can see clearly”. Nana saw clearly, she handled difficulties with dignity, always faced tragedy with hope and humor and most importantly, knew how to enjoy a periodic Southern Comfort.
Services are private. Donations in Ruth’ name may be made to the Armenian Nursing Home, 431 Pond St., Jamaica Plain, MA. 02130.