Penwell Turner Funeral Home - Shelby, Ohio

Mary Alice Davis

Mary Alice Davis, age 72, of rural Shelby, died peacefully Saturday, February 4, 2017 at her home.

Mary Alice was born on November 27, 1944 in Gary, Indiana. She was adopted by Frank and Helen (Mahoney) Mooney who preceded her in death along with her brothers, Frank Mooney and Jack Mooney. Later in life she was able to find her birth mother, Mary Elizabeth Leonard who also preceded her in death. On June 15, 1968 in Shaker Heights, Mary Alice married William E. Davis. Bill survives along with a son: Michael (Heather) Davis of Dublin; a daughter: Maureen Jones (Mark Haake) of Chicago; 3 grandchildren: Brayden, Tori, and Erik; two sisters from her birth family: Rosemary (Mike) Nolan and Helenann (Gary) Paruta; and a sister in law: Margie “MiMi” Mooney.

Mary Alice was a nurse. She graduated from St. John College of Nursing in Cleveland with a Bachelor of Nursing. She worked at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and later worked at Shelby Memorial Hospital where she was in charge of the Caring For You Home Health Care Agency- a job she loved. Following Caring For You, Mary Alice became the Director of Nursing at Dale Roy in Ashland from where she retired. In her off time, she was a country nurse who would occasionally evaluate an abrasion or take out the random stitch or two for the neighbors.

Mary Alice was a woman living in the digital age with her feet firmly planted in the analog world. She had a smart phone that left the charger two or three times during the four years she had it. Mary Alice preferred daily planners to calendar apps and talking on the phone to texting. The only exception was her Nook, which saw hundreds and hundreds of digital books. She was a reader.

She was a lover of all things four legged and furry as well as high thread count sheets and anything bedazzled. Those that knew Mary Alice and received her Christmas cards will appreciate that she was also preceded in death by the “damn horse in the barn.”

Mary Alice was one of the most optimistic people around. If someone wondered whether the glass was half empty or half full she would take the pitcher and fill the glass so there was no doubt. She liked movies as long as Disney produced them. Mary Alice powered through many difficulties but refused to be a victim. She always saw the positive, always.

Mary Alice was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 5742 State Route 61, Shelby, where her funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 10, 2017 at 10:30 am with Fr. Nicholas Weibl officiating. Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, February 9, 2017 from 4-7 pm at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where a Christian Wake Service will be conducted at 7 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School.

Online condolences at: penwellturner.com

Memories & Condolence

  1. Tanya Hartings says:

    So sorry about Mary Alice…she always made me laugh and was fun to chat with!

  2. Linda McNeill Wilson says:

    I worked with Mary Alice at Shelby hospital in the ’80s. She was always a ray of sunshine and happiness. It was wonderful to see her a couple of years ago when we had a Shelby hospital “reunion” at Seltzer Park. My sympathies to her family.

  3. Michelle says:

    I am so sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to her family and friends. She truly held a beautiful spirit and may you continue to feel it within your hearts.

  4. Ann and Fritz Jaquay says:

    Bill, Michael, and Maureen,

    My heart breaks for you at this time. It was good to visit with you and Mary Alice all at Riverside, I will always remember her wonderful wit and humor. She was a joy to be around. See you Thursday.

    Much sympathy and love,
    Ann and Fritz

  5. Bonnie Johnson says:

    Sorry for your loss. Loved this lady she made you laugh until you cried . Was always a friend to all she meet. She was a great joy to work with. A smile could always be seen on her sweet face. A great light of joy and love has been loss on earth but heaven has gained a great angel.

  6. Al Bandman says:

    The world is poorer for the passing of a bright sparkling spirit. Mary Alice always made me smile. I will miss the warmth of her presence.

  7. Sandra shafer says:

    Was so nice to see you and your mom after many years.So sorry to hear of her passing she was a wonderful lady

  8. Amy bell says:

    my prayers for the family. I didnt know mary alice but i know what a lovely daughter she raised so she must have been quite spectacular

  9. Darlene RINEHART says:

    Dear Bill, and family,
    So sorry to hear about the loss of Mary Alice. We all loved her and working with her in the good years at SMH. Our prayers are with you. Love Darlene and Tom Rinehart

  10. Mary Jo McHugh says:

    Mary Alice had the most caring spirit–whether you were a patient, a friend, a professional peer, a furry or feathered acquaintance–she was happy to help, listen, console and support in any way needed. She was meant to be a nurse and loving wife and Mom and Grandmother. Sincere condolences to all who will miss her dearly.

  11. Lorraine Swanger(Thomas) says:

    I was so sorry to hear about Mary Alice. I worked with her at Shelby Hospital and then was hired by her at Caring For You. She later came to my father in laws house representing Caring For You. She was a loving,kind,fun and a great person and nurse. She was compassionate in every way. I am so sorry for the family’s loss and know she will be missed by them and many others who ever knew her. My prayers and thoughts go to the family at this time.

  12. Carolyn Sayre says:

    Bill and family. I am so sorry to hear about Mary Alice. I loved visiting with her at the salon. She will be missed by all who knew her.

  13. Gary Hunt says:

    I worked with Mary Alice at MedCentral. What a wonderful person — a true joy to work and converse with. I will not forget her. Prayers for her and condolences to her family.

  14. Deb Papesh says:

    Mike- I am so sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful testament to a life well-lived and shared with others. I see her zest in life in how you yourself approach projects in our community and the spunk in your kids, especially your daughter. I can tell she considered Heather a daughter, not a DIL. How wonderful you all had wonderful times and memories shared. Will be thinking of you all. Love, Deb Papesh and family

  15. Susan ABSTON says:

    Dear Bill and family; am so sorry to hear of Mary Alice’s passing. We spent many years working together and often lunched while enjoying somewhat bizarre conversation topics! She was always able to see the best in people. My heart goes out to you all.

  16. Karen Rieman says:

    To the family of Mary-Alice Davis
    We shared employment time at Shelby Memorial Hosp. for a brief time in our nursing career. I drove past her home to and from work and when making numerous trips to Shelby for various reasons. I’ll remember her friendly smile. May God grant her peace. Family know she resides in Heaven with Our Lord and is surrounded by Angels. Thought & prayers during this difficult time. Karen & Bill Rieman

  17. Sarah Gentry says:

    It is simple. To know her was to love her. May God bless all of you with the comfort that she is living in His house.

  18. Jenny Terman says:

    Who could ask for a better neighbor? I have so many wonderful memories of visits to the Davis barn and pond. Mary Alice’s sweet and spunky soul will be missed. My condolences to the Davis family.

  19. Erik Gallion says:

    Those we hold closest in our hearts, never truly leave us…they live on in the kindness, joy, hope, love, and zest for life that they shared with us and others. Such was the legacy that Mary Alice left us. Bill and family please know that you held close in thought, prayer, and love.

  20. Suzanne Hughes Rydel says:

    Bill, Maureen and Mike,
    Mary Alice was a happy and positive friend from college days and beyond. I loved her zest for life and cheery, fun and uplifting personality. A true adventurer….so many antics and secrets we shared then. We were in each other’s weddings 48 years ago. I was honored to have had the opportunity to call her a dear friend and she will always be in my heart and be truly missed. My sincere sympathy to you, Bill and Maureen and Michael.

  21. Valerie Watrous says:

    I am truly sorry for the passing of Mary Alice. May you find peace and comfort in all your memories and hold them close to your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Love Valerie Watrous

  22. Gary Dixon says:

    Maureen,
    Very sad to hear the news of your Mom’s passing. Please accept condolences from Diane and I in this difficult time.

  23. Jim and Kathy says:

    Our thoughts are with you and your family. We wish we were able to be there with you today, but please know our prayers are for your Mom and the whole family.

  24. Julie Buzard says:

    Bill, Mike, & Maureen:
    My deepest sympathy and love to you guys for Mary Alice. She was one of a kind in this crazy world. I will never forget her humor, her wit, her smile & sparkling eyes, & her uncanny way of reminding me everytime I saw her that “I am your other mother dammit, listen to me”. I have so many memories of her & am at peace knowing that she is flying high peacefully now free of her ailments. Love you guys so much ❤️

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