Marjorie McDougal Davis

quiet strong center of a family that includes eight children, twenty-seven grandchildren,

and twenty-two great grandchildren. She passed away peacefully on Friday, August 30

at the age of 98.

Marjorie was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1921. She moved to Sanford, Maine with

her parents a year later. Four younger siblings were born into the family in Sanford.

Showing sharp wit at an early age, as a teenager she wrote a humorous newsletter

about summer happenings on the Hanson Farm. At a time when not all believed in

women’s education, Marjorie was mentored and supported in her studies by her

beloved Aunt Polly. She attended Colby College - becoming the third of now five

generations of Colby graduates. At Colby, she was elected President of the student

body. After graduating from Colby in 1943, Marjorie taught in the Buxton school system

before joining the Navy Waves in 1944. Stationed in San Francisco, she chaperoned a

dance one evening where she met Clifford Davis, a fellow chaperone, from South

Portland, Maine. They were married in 1948 and began raising a family in Springvale,

Maine. Clifford and Marjorie had nine children together, their firstborn passing away at

nine months.

Learning in all its forms was paramount to Marjorie and a value she instilled with great

love and discipline in her children, all of whom attended college. The family did not have

a television and Marjorie made bi-weekly trips to the Springvale Library where each

child checked out ten books (the limit). She listened to classical and big band music at

home and encouraged her children to take music lessons. Despite the financial

constraints that came with having a large family, she brought her children to theater

performances at the Ogunquit Playhouse and Rochester Music Theater. She also

helped her children master public speaking, setting up and rehearsing 4-H

demonstrations at home and giving valuable feedback as well as listening to speeches

to be given at club events.

Nature was ever-present in the lives of Marjorie, Clifford, and her children. Marjorie took

her children on walks through the woods, for picnics and breakfasts at the beach, and

swimming at the lake. The family took many memorable trips, including camping at

Hermit Island in Maine and traveling cross-country to California.

Marjorie was a leader in her community, as a long-time board member and supporter of

the Springvale Public Library, as PTA President, as manager of a Real Estate company

(writing some of the most creative real estate ads in all of Maine) for 30 years, and as a

member of the Board of Realtors at the local and state level. She was known as a

consummate professional in this industry.

The last twenty years of Marjorie’s life were filled with classes on varied topics and

family events around her backyard swimming pool. She took great joy and pride in her

ever-expanding family – always thrilled to meet the newest member.

Marjorie had an inner strength that benefited those around her. Difficult things were

handled with grace and faced with a hopeful, positive outlook.

She is predeceased by her husband, Clifford, and first son, John. Marjorie is survived by

her children: Neal of Kennebunk, Wayne of Boston, Carl of Acton, Anne of Salt Lake

City, Gail of Cumberland, Paul of Falmouth, Keith of Shapleigh, and Sue Mary of

Simsbury CT and their families. The family will gather to celebrate her life later this fall.

The family would like to thank those who cared for Marjorie at home and the staff at

Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Springvale Public Library, 443 Main St., Springvale,

Maine 04083