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Helen Jean Davis

7/27/1925 - 10/30/2014

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Obituary For Helen Jean Davis

Helen Jean Davis, Len, as she is known locally, was born in Duluth, MN in July 1925 to William and Edna Fitzgerald. The family moved to Flushing, Long Island when she was 10 years old. Len graduated from Bayside High School and attended Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York.

Len met Ted Davis, then a sailor aboard the USS North Carolina in 1940 and they married in Annapolis, MD June 6, 1946 when he graduated from the United States Naval Academy. Len became a Navy wife, living in London, Naples and Hawaii as well as Navy bases on the East and West coast. Ted's specialty was submarines and they retired after 35 years and settled in Virginia Beach.

Along the way, Charlene was born in March 1950 and Mark in March 1951. They graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School and have lived here ever since. In addition to Charlene and Mark, Len leaves 2 grandchildren, Joseph and Julie plus 4 great-grandchildren, Laci, Troy, Ash and Amiya.

Len was a beautiful, Irish redhead with 2 PHD's in shopping. She specialized in clothes, jewelry and entertaining. She was the youngest and the last of 7 siblings and at age 89 sorrowfully missed a lot of old buddies. She was known as the "Hostess with the Mostess" by her many friends and her personality was also recognized by her Gentiva and Hospice Caregivers as contagious and touched each heart with her beautiful smile.

Ted and Len's son, Mark, passed away last week on October 26, 2014 and services for him were held on October 30, 2014. Len passed shortly after his services were held. A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 11:00 am at St. Nicholas Catholic Church located at 712 Little Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sentara Hospice House at 3760 Sentara Way, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.

Len will be inurned in the Naval Academy Columbarium at a later date.

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Condolences

  • 04/08/2021

    Chuck Steenburgh

    Ted: My condolences on your double loss. Take comfort in the fact they are in God's hands. Chuck (USSVI HRB)

  • 04/08/2021

    Sandy O'Neil

    My dear Len........ How I will miss that unforgettable smile that would light up the room! You calling me Madame Kabook and us laughing at my silly comments and jokes. If only we could go back a few years, I know you would have been my biggest fan at the pool league games!!!! And taking you shopping.....WOW, what a pro!!! I miss and love you but I will forever cherish the memories my dear friend until we meet again!

  • 04/08/2021

    Julianne Maher

    How we will miss Len! She was such a warm, lively family member. She always made us feel welcome when we came to visit. It is hard to imagine Ted without her. I will hold her in my heart forever and cherish my memories of her: in Hornell, in Va. Beach, at Jim's wedding, at the 50th anniversary and so many other events. What a blessing she was in our family.

  • 04/08/2021

    David McConnell

    In the late ‘50s when Len’s husband Ted was the Captain of the USS GRENADIER (SS525), I was fortunate to be serving aboard as one of its officers. That was the happiest time of my life and Len contributed in no small measure to the enjoyment of it. As noted in her obituary, she was “the Hostess with the Mostess”. She made everyone feel welcome so that we became more than a group who served together; we became friends. She will be missed. Kelso and Alice McConnell

  • 04/08/2021

    James Hughes

    Our most sincere Condolences on your loss. Our prayers. James Hughes

  • 04/08/2021

    Jennifer Jessup

    Capt. Davis, I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Davis passing away, and your son as well! My heart goes out to you and please know that I am thinking of you. Jennifer Jessup (From Dr. Broome's office)

  • 04/08/2021

    Roy Payne

    My Captain, you are in our prayers. God rest the souls of your loved ones and give you comfort.

  • 04/08/2021

    Helen Vander Vennet

    Ted, I am so sorry to read about Helen's passing and through her obit, your son's passing as well. I always enjoyed seeing both of you and shall not forget her wit. My prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you and help you through this time. Helen from Dr. Harr's office, the token office catholic.

  • 04/08/2021

    Peter & Isabella Dunn

    Ted We are sorry to hear about your losses, Peter and Isabella send their love and prayers

  • 04/08/2021

    Jim Maher

    Dear Len, You were a party wherever you went. Your life force drew people to you, and wherever you were, there was likely to a ruckus. You loved all of us and left each with memories to last a lifetime. It's hard to believe that you are gone from us, but I know the Halls of Heaven are ringing with your laughter as you lead the dancing tonight. Unforgettably yours, Jim

  • 04/08/2021

    Don & Sally Meyer

    Ted, Our sincere sympathy on the passing of Len and your son, Mark. Our prayers are with you. Sincerely, Don & Sally Meyer

  • 04/08/2021

    Brent Duncan

    Thinking of you and your family and deeply saddened in learning of the loss of your wife Len and your son Mark. May they rest in peace. God bless you and family.

  • 04/08/2021

    Tom Maher

    A strong, vibrant light has gone out. I was honored to have known her.

  • 04/08/2021

    Ted & Jan Been

    A remarkable and unforgettable woman. She'll be with us forever

  • 04/08/2021

    Ted Davis

    It looks as though you and your son, Mark planned on a mutual departure and God did the rest. How about a smile for your Sweetie?

  • 04/08/2021

    Ted Davis

    It looks as though you and your son, Mark planned on a mutual departure and God did the rest. How about a smile for your Sweetie?

  • 04/08/2021

    Jim & Kate Burke

    Our condolences go out to Ted and his family. Len was an exceptional person. Much loved and adorned. She will be missed by all. We have lost our "Wild Irish Rose".

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