Obituary of Florence K. Davis

DAVIS Florence Kathryn (nee Hillebrand), age 98, peacefully at Sunrise of Blue Bell on April 19, 2015, formerly of Philadelphia, PA; Wethersfield, CT; and Venice, FL. Beloved only child of the late William G. and Kathryn S. Hillebrand. Devoted wife of the late Francis J. Davis. Loving mother of William G. Davis (Carol R.), Kathleen D. Morrissey (William L.) and Edward J. Davis. Adored Grandmother of William L. Morrissey, Jr. (Caren E.), Brian E. Morrissey (Brigid G.), John H. Davis (Laura MacPherson.), Gregory S. (Jodi Franti), Kristina D. Tranell (Ryan), Edward Patrick Davis (Leslie Chinery), Maura E., and Elizabeth Davis Beck (Christopher). Delightful Great Grandmother "GG" to Will, Ellie, Cormac, Eadlin, Shane and Dylan Morrissey; Tucker Tranell and Olivia Davis. Additionally survived by her first cousin Helen Wilson Laughlin who was like a sister, sister-in-law Marge Hope Davis, brother-in-law Robert J. Davis, and many other cousins, nieces and nephews. Florence grew up in South West Philadelphia living in the end-of the-row home above the drugstore that her pharmacist father owned and attending church at The Most Blessed Sacrament parish. A beautiful and vivacious child with bright blue eyes and thick wavy brown hair, she lost much of her hearing in 4th grade. However, that did not dampen her spirits as she became a proficient lip-reader. She excelled in sewing and cooking at Shaw Junior High and was very proud of her Singer Sewing Machine, a gift from her parents. Florence attended West Philadelphia High School, enjoyed working the ice cream counter in her father's drug store at 55th and Florence Ave; sledding at Cobbs Creek, and roller skating at Chez Vous in Upper Darby with her girlfriends Alice, Betty and her cousin Helen. As a young woman she loved going Atlantic City with her parents; to movies and dances at Chez Vous and the Knights of Columbus Hall with her girlfriends. Florence met her future husband Frank Davis at the "K of C" dances. She worked for a short time at Snellengburg's Department Store in Center City Philadelphia, to save for her wedding trousseau and to fill her hope chest. After marrying, Frank, in 1943 they eventually settled in West Oak Lane and became members of St. Athanasius Church. Life with 3 children kept her busy but summers were for visits to Wildwood, NJ, and later for driving trips to all parts of the USA. The many trips to Florida were particularly favored. In 1966, after her husband was transferred, Florence moved to Wethersfield, CT, where they enjoyed New England life for nearly 30 years before retiring to Venice, Fl, in the winter and Ocean City, NJ, in the summer. Florence and Frank continued to travel in the US visiting their children and friends and made several trips to England and Ireland. After Frank's passing in 1991, Florence continued her winter/summer routine before moving to Sunrise of Blue Bell 4 ½ years ago at age 93. She remained active, visiting her children, grandchildren and relishing each new Great- grand child until quite recently. Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation from 9:30am to 10:45am on Thursday April 30.2015, followed by a Requiem Mass at 11am at Epiphany of Our Lord Church, 3050 Walton Rd., Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 . Interment Private. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Florence's name to a charity of choice or to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer, 333 E. Lancaster Ave., #414, Wynnewood, PA.19096.