Mary Ossi David

DAVID……….Mary Ossi David, 87, passed away on March 8, 2015 in Jacksonville, surrounded by her family in prayer. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. J.K. David, and her parents, A.R. & Raina Ossi. She was an inspiration and source of strength, love & faith for all of her family.Mary was born in Jacksonville on December 21, 1927. She attended St. Joseph's Academy where she learned to speak English, working after school in her parents’ grocery store during the hard years of the Depression. She attended Immaculate Conception High School from which she graduated in 1946 as valedictorian. She turned down the opportunity to go immediately to college, choosing instead to help in her parents’ store until 1955, when she enrolled in the dental-hygiene program at Temple University. After completing her studies in 1957, she worked for eight years with Dr. Charles Hester, then with her brother, Dr. Ben Ossi, in his orthodontics practice until his retirement.In 1970, Mary met the love of her life, Dr. J.K. David. They were married in 1972, and had many wonderful years together until his death in 2002. Mary was a gifted businesswoman with astonishing organizational skills. She was an anchor for her large and devoted family. She was an active parishioner at Prince of Peace and Assumption Catholic Church. She was proud of her heritage and was a member of the Salaam Club of Jacksonville.She is survived by her step-sons, Dr. Clifford David of Pittsboro, NC; Dr. Richard David of Chicago; and step-daughter, Dr. Barbara Wright of Charleston, WV; four grandsons and five granddaughters. She leaves four sisters, Frances Zebouni, Jeannette Cratem, Margaret Helow and Vicki Namen and a brother, Ben Ossi(Jacqueline) and a sister-in-law, Gladys David Howell. As the oldest in her large extended family, Mary served the role of matriarch and was a unifying presence for numerous nieces and nephews and their children, faithfully remembering their birthdays and all special occasions.A Rosary Service will be held on Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00PM at the Church of the Assumption, 2431 Atlantic Blvd. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 12 at 1:00PM at Assumption Church followed by interment at Oaklawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Mary's honor can be made to the Church of the Assumption. Arrangements are under the care of Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd.