SOUTH PARIS — Ethel Mary Davis, 76, of South Woodstock, passed away on Monday, Oct. 4th, at Market Square Health Care Center.

She was born in South Woodstock on Nov. 8, 1933, the daughter of Gayden G. and Bernice (Radcliffe) Davis. She was a resident of this community all of her life. Ms. Davis attended Woodstock schools and graduated with honors from Woodstock High School in the Class of 1952.

She was employed as a secretary and accountant/bookkeeper for a former Judge of Probate and an Attorney at Law. She served in this same capacity for 28 years at P. H. Chadbourne & Co. of Bethel. She helped her father in his retail meat business and handled the bookkeeping for several years while doing her regular job. In 1974, she became a certified real estate broker and worked for the former Hall & Hall Realty of South Paris.

In 1983, Ms. Davis was elected to the position of selectman and was the first woman to fill this position in the town of Woodstock. She served the town in this capacity for four years. During this time, she handled the accounting and bookkeeping records. She served on School District No. 44’s Boosters Club for several years and voluntarily served six years on the Board of Directors of Community Concepts of South Paris, also serving as treasurer for part of this period. She was a member of the S.T.A.R. Group (School Taxation Association Review), representing the municipalities of Andover, Bethel, Greenwood and Woodstock. She was a member of the comprehensive plan for the town of Woodstock. In July of 1987, she was hired by SAD No. 43 (Byron, Mexico, Roxbury, Rumford), as their accountant/bookkeeper and worked until September of 1995, retiring due to medical problems.

Fishing and hunting gave her much enjoyment. She took great interest in all family activities and was an avid Girl Scout in her younger years. She was a very giving and caring individual and seemed to have a positive outlook on life in general. She dearly loved her family and cherished her dear friends.

Survivors include her sister, Edith M. Deegan of South Paris; her brother, Gayden George Thomas Davis of Bradenton, Fla.; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, a great-great-nephew and a great-great niece.

She was predeceased by her parents; and a dear sister, Leona Farnum.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.