Delores Jean Davis

Jean Davis (Bubbe), whose generosity of spirit and deed touched so many, passed away this week, the closing notes of a life marked by her deep and abiding passion for the arts and literature, her unquenchable curiosity for the world around her, and her love and unfettered support for her family and friends. The Solon resident was 91.

A true Renaissance woman, Bubbe was determined and able to master any undertaking she put her mind to, whether it be as an experienced scuba diver, sailor, chef, or accomplished concert pianist whose love of opera and classical music served as the soundtrack for so many indelible memories for her family and friends. Driven by an insatiable desire to understand and explore the world around her, Jean loved nature, all animals, the ocean, sailing, and gardening, regularly insisting that anyone could share her exceptional green thumb despite ample evidence to the contrary.

The ever-present mischievous glint in Jean’s eye served as but a hint of her wry sense of humor and ability to create a sense of home and community wherever she was and whomever she was with. This was matched by a deep-seated commitment to equality and justice borne from a moral compass that served as the bedrock for her role as a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend.

The throughline of Bubbe’s life was her ability to demonstrate her love and affection for those around her through her dual passions of music and cooking. Whether it be listening to Kentucky bluegrass on an old Coast Guard radio with her brother David when they were children or providing the melody for family singalongs and dance parties, music – and Jean’s nonpareil talent on the piano – was a source of connection and joy throughout her life.

Similarly, Bubbe used her ability as a talented chef and baker to embrace and engage with those whose lives she touched. No one – particularly her various nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren – was ever allowed to go hungry if Bubbe had her way, and many an afternoon would find her baking yet one more special treat because she knew it would bring one of them happiness. Bubbe believed strongly that there was always room for one more at the table for meals and whether it be family or friends, anyone was welcome and able to get their fill.

Good and generous to her core, the world will miss Bubbe. Her memory will be carried forward by an extensive group of family. She was the beloved mother of Cathy Daniel (Moshe), Sally Shore (Craig), Cheryl (Jon Wise), and Amy Davis (Karns); the adored grandmother of Lauren Bloomberg (Michael Crittenden), Allison Kottler (Adam), Connor Shore, Leah, Sarah, and Rachel Karns, Marc (Kathryn), David (Sara Grigera), Jonny Wise, and Gamze Konal (Gurkan Bebek). Great-grandmother of Asher and Leo Crittenden, Meyer and Sadie Kottler, Winter, Oliver, Ireland, and Pilar Wise, and Nora and Arun Bebek; the treasured sister of David Arnold (Joni); cherished aunt of Ken (Cheryl) and Jon (LeAnne) Arnold, Aaron and Brad Davis. Jean’s family extends special appreciation to Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland and especially to Lo, whose kindness, compassion, and laughter filled Jean’s world in her final months, and to the caring staff at Hospice of the Western Reserve.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 10 at 10 am at Berkowitz Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel, with interment at Hillcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Jewish Family Services Association https://www.jfsa-cleveland.org/, Care at Home Program; Congregation Mishkan Or https://www.mishkanor.org/ (designate Lapin Music Fund), or GentleBarn.org. The family will receive friends at 5822 Briarwood Lane, Solon, from 4-6 pm and 7-9 pm Monday (3/10), and 3-5 pm and 6-9 pm Tuesday (3/11). ).

To view service online go to www.BKBMC.com, open the obituary tab at the top of page, open the Delores J. Davis obituary, scroll down to Join Livestream and click the tab. The link will open approximately 5 minutes of the hour.