Phyllis M. Davis (Roberts) passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 22, two weeks shy of her 90th birthday.
Phyllis was born and raised in Beverly where she was surrounded by her loving mother, Felicia (Tomeo) McLean, and her extended family after her father, Walter, passed away before her first birthday.
Her love of family gatherings and devotion as a wife, mother and fun-loving friend never wavered. She was an exquisite hostess who inspired many memorable holidays and laugh-filled soirees. She employed her observant sense of humor until her final days.
Phyllis attended St. Mary’s School in Beverly and graduated from Salem State with a degree in social work. Before becoming a full-time homemaker and active volunteer, Phyllis enjoyed a brief career as a flight attendant as well as varied roles in the office of then-Gov. Christian Herter.
While working in the State House, Phyllis met and was swept off her feet by the ever-so-charming Fred Davis, who often regaled her stunning beauty and their early time spent in Paris. From then on, the pair began a happy life together raising a family in Marblehead and creating cherished memories through their many activities, travels and innumerable boating and seaside festivities at their home.
Phyllis was a talented artist and spent hours painting delicate watercolors of the local harbors, as well as seascapes during her “off seaso”’ time in Siesta Key, Florida. She relished not only creating art but reading extensively about artists, art history and visiting museums around the world. She was an active board member for the Marblehead Arts Association and a regular volunteer for the boys at Plummer Home in Salem.
Phyllis had lots to do raising two active boys, Chris and Michael, and was an integral part of the Cloutman’s Lane neighborhood in the roaring seventies. In addition to her pride and love for her sons, she was most overjoyed by her daughter, Beth, who was born on Valentine’s Day and welcomed as a precious gift.
Phyllis was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Frederick J. Davis, in 2016. She is survived by her three children and their spouses who live nearby and visited regularly: F. Christopher (Robyn), Michael R. (Evemarie) and Mary Elizabeth (Josh) Carmody.
Phyllis was a caring and engaging grandmother who delighted in spending time with her six grandchildren: Jaclyn and Chase Davis, Lane and Claire Davis, and Liam and Hunter Carmody. Phyllis also leaves behind loved cousins across the North Shore.
Service information: Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Eustis & Cornell Funeral Home of Marblehead, 142 Elm St., followed by a funeral Mass at 1 p.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St., Marblehead 01945 or at marbleheadarts.org or Plummer Youth Promise, 37 Winter Island Rd., Salem 01970 or at plummeryouthpromise.org.
