SOUTH PARIS — Mary Ann Davis passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at the Maine Veterans’ Home.

Mary was born in Rumford, Feb. 15, 1915. She lived her childhood years in Mexico. She was the daughter of the late Melvina (Dennis) and Anton Simon. She was very proud of her Lithuanian heritage and brought stories of the “old country” to life, as they were told to her by her parents and extended family.

Mary so enjoyed her school years and spoke of them fondly throughout her lifetime. She graduated with honors from Mexico High School, Class of 1932. Her expressions with her eloquent writing were exceptional. Whether it was writing a note of thanks or a business correspondence, the appearance and messages were a pleasure to read. She always excelled in sports and earned her varsity letter in basketball, field hockey and softball all three years.

She met and fell in love with Stephen E. Davis and married him on June 1, 1940. The Rev. H. Shattuck performed their ceremony in the parsonage of the United Methodist Church in Rumford. Dad always felt lucky that he was able to marry her that day, since the reverend was dressed in his fishing vest and was soon leaving on his long awaited trip. This was something they always laughed about.

Mary worked in the lab of the uncoated paper division for Oxford Paper Co. after high school and then joined her husband’s family florist business. Together they established Mary-D Florist in November 1962, and worked side by side until retirement in 1992. She dedicated herself to making sure only the best floral arrangements were made for her customers. She established life-long friendships and business associations that she always cherished. This business was the core of her family.

Over the years, she was active in the regional Eastern Star Organization and Past Matrons. She was a lifetime member of the Maine Growers Association and many organizations within the florist industry.

Mary was most dedicated to her family. Her best times were when her family gathered to celebrate any occasion. Whether it was a holiday gathering or the annual cookouts, where all were welcomed, she took great pride in making sure everyone had enough and she would always wait to be the last one served. She excelled at crossword puzzles and loved the challenge. She fed and watched the birds from her picture window and would love a visitor at any time of the day or evening.

At 95, she was still the strong mother we knew. She was so happy that she was able to live independently, at her family home, until her transition to the veterans’ home. She instilled in all of her children the values and respect she had come to learn from her parents.

Mary leaves her children and their families: Joan and David Dunn of Oxford and their daughter, Elizabeth, Wayne and Mary Ellen Davis of Turner and their daughters, Colleen and Katlyn, Burt and Kimberly Davis of Rumford Point, Mark and Anna Davis of Rumford and their daughter, Amy Hummler and Virginia and Phillip Howard of Rumford and their daughter, Tracy; her great-grandchildren, Ty Howard and Gauge Fowler. She loved animals and especially her Labs, Moseby, Abbey and Hannah, and her cat Gracie.

She was predeceased by her husband in 1996; her parents; and her sisters, Stella Zlabis, Ann Simon and June Plante.

The family of Mary would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff of the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris. Without them the transition would have been without value. We thank them for their commitment and compassion. Also, Beacon House Hospice for the lovely people that shared Mary’s life.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with Mary’s family at www.wilesrc.com.