Janet Davis

Janet B. Davis of Duluth, 89, died on Saturday, March 24, after a brief illness. The daughter of Ida and Sam Berman, and sister to George, Ruth and Harriet, Janet was born Oct. 22, 1922 in Duluth and lived here all her life. She was a graduate of Central High School in 1940 and earned her social work degree from U. of Minnesota, Minneapolis. She married her classmate, whom she met at 14, Bud (Yale B.) Davis, who predeceased her in 1987 after 44 years of marriage. In their early years, she was a proud military wife who took care of their two children, Bob and Jody, as Bud served in the Marines. Returning to Duluth, she raised the family while being involved as a volunteer in the community and was supportive of Buds work at West End Iron and Metal where she eventually joined him in the family business. Janet loved the city of Duluth and became involved in a variety of activities that contributed to the vibrancy of the city. Her service included, among others, leading Miller Dwan Hospital Foundation, serving as an ambassador of the Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chairman of the Public Library Foundation, served on the Board of Parks and Recreation , was involved in Altrusa, was President of Rotary, chosen as the Duluth Woman of the Year (1972) and was an active volunteer at Temple Israel. She loved helping prepare for the many reunions hosted in Duluth. A woman who was as comfortable working in the gift shop as running the Foundation of the Hospital, or being a part of the highway clean up crew as serving on the Board, Janet was a friend to people of all ages, who exhibited kindness in her no nonsense way. She is survived by her children, Bob (and Rachel) Davis, Jody Huber (and Jim Coleman); and grandchildren Benjamin, Noah (and Hilary), Hannah (and Aaron), Jacob (and Ahuva) and Joey, and great grandchildren Nesanel, Refael, Tzivia, Jordan and Jack and sisters Ruth Horwitz and Harriette (and Jack) Bober and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be remembered for her energy and wonderful character by those who knew her and each year in the giving of the Janet B. Davis Outstanding Volunteer Award of Miller Dwan Foundation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be the Parkinsons Support Group of Miller Dwan or a charity of your choice. SERVICE: 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, in Temple Israel, burial to follow at Tifereth Israel Cemetery. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 727-3555.