Mildred Louise Davidson

Louise grew up in Manatee, Florida she graduated from Manatee County High School in 1958, and she remained a Floridian all her life. In the fall of 1959 Richard Davidson would come into Drew Park Coffee House where Louise was employed almost daily, it seems someone was smitten. They were married on April 23, 1961, their marriage was a testimony to others demonstrating the meaning of commitment, perseverance, patience, kindness and true love, sharing 53 years together until Richards passing in December of 2014.

They were soon graced with a daughter Rebecca Lynn, a son Daniel Burton and another daughter Darlene Esther. Louise had great pride in her family, and took pleasure in passing on many family traditions and values. She was truly the Matriarch of the family always hosting family gatherings, spending countless tiring hours preparing home cooked meals, and keeping traditions alive. Despite the hectic busy life of a wife, mother, grandmother and working full time she always made time for family and will forever be remembered for her singing birthday phone calls!

Louise and Richard were blessed with  13 grandchildren, Jeremy Clarida, Jordan Clarida and Justin Clarida born to their daughter Rebecca. Dustin Backus, and Dylan Davidson born to their son Daniel. Jason Davidson, Jeffrey Davidson, Trey Florkowski, Josh Florkowski, Jesse Florkowski, Alexandrea Florkowski, Andrea Florkowski and Jacceb Florkowski born to their daughter Darlene and husband Ron. Louise’s greatest joy was the ever growing addition of 15 great grandchildren Anthony, DJ , Colt, Wyatt, Evelynn, Rylan, Brynley, Juliana, Jonah, Elias, Isaiah, Kinsley Louise, Penelope, Liam and Josiah. Family meant everything to Louise, she loved each of them with an immensely deep and unconditional love, she was never one to judge, instead she would be the first to offer support, encouragement and strength. Louise was incredibly important in each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s lives, and her loving legacy will live on in each of them. She is the light that will never go out in our hearts.

After her children had grown into school age Louise began working as a secretary for Allison Equipment, and then Chem Dry. In 2003,  she became a business owner when her husband Richard opened Davidson Sign Services, her son, 3 grandsons and a granddaughter continue the business now in their memory. Louise made many life long friends and I believe they would all agree with the description one good friend offered: She was sassy, classy and fantastic.

We know Louise was received in Heaven not only by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ but also to the wide open arms of her loving daughter Rebecca who preceded her in death due to cancer in 2006, they are both now free of pain and all the suffering of this world, and undoubtedly reunited and being well loved by Richard.

Time for us to part now, we won’t say goodbye. Look for me in rainbows, shining in the sky.

Goodbyes are not forever, Goodbyes are not the end, They simply mean, We will miss you until we meet again.