Helen L. Davidson

Lansing MI

Helen Lixvar Davidson, age 93, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on December 2, 2015. She was born November 12, 1922 in Benton Harbor, MI to Peter and Mary (Paulik) Lixvar. Helen graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1941 and Western Michigan University in 1945 with a degree in medical technology. In 1982, she earned a Master of Science from Michigan State University.

She married Herbert R. Davidson on August 7, 1948 in Lansing MI. Together they raised three daughters. They enjoyed many years sailing up and down the coast of Lake Michigan. She was active in the Lansing Power Squadron Auxiliary and Eastern Star and Rainbow Girls.

Early in her career, Helen worked at the Sparrow Hospital laboratory and then for many years at the Charles E. Black Clinical Laboratory in Lanisng, MI. In, 1974, she began working at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, eventually retiring as an instructor in clinical pathology in 1989. Among her proudest achievements were several excellences in teaching awards she received from her students.

Helen is survived by her three daughters; Janice Cornell of Brighton, Linda (Robert) Schnabelrauch of Mason and Judith(Howard) Person of Dimondale; six grandchildren, Nick (Breanne) and Ryan(Ewa) Panetta, Justin (Valerie) and Matthew (Alexandria) Schnabelrauch, Zach Person(Linda McCleland) and Amanda (Joe) Wenzel; and three great-grandchildren; Joseph Panetta, Owen and Ella Wenzel.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert, in 2009; Brothers John and Peter Lixvar, and sisters Mary Bell, Anne Heade and Betty Stearns.

Visitation will take place form 11am until 1pm on Saturday, December 5, 2015 followed by the funeral service at 1PM at Pilgrim Congregational Church. 125 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI with interment at Evergreen Cemetery, Lansing MI. Contributions in Helen’s memory may be made to Pilgrim Congregational Church, Lansing, MI. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com