Obituary of Olga Davis

Olga Davis died peaceably at 100 years of age in her lovely farm house of over 60 years outside the village of Delhi, NY on January 10^th, 2022.

Olga graduated from Ithaca College in 1944 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. She taught PE in public school for a short period just before WWII ended.  Tennis was her game. Years later in her backyard, she was a stellar pitcher to Quinn, a couple of wiffle ball masters.

It was in Ithaca, New York she met her lifelong companion, Arthur Davis. He was at Cornell studying to be a veterinarian. They were married in 1944 and that ended her teaching career.

Olga and Art moved to Delhi, NY where Art practiced veterinary medicine with Dr. Howard Dickson. Olga was a member of the veterinary practice of Dickson & Davis for many years before Art, referred to many as “Doc”, went to work for the federal government in the 70’s.

Olga was beloved by many family, friends, neighbors and Doc’s apprentices for her warm hospitality and welcoming ways. She was an avid birder, gardener and wonderful cook. She would not allow you to leave her house hungry or angry. She had the ability to soothe one’s soul. They canned much of the food they grew in Art’s vegetable garden enriched by his cows. She tended and loved her beautiful flower garden. She was very fond of tulips, daffodils, lilacs and peonies. If it bloomed she loved it.

Olga was dedicated to the First Presbyterian Church in Delhi. For decades she helped with funeral services, Sunday services, or other events by baking wonderous treats and serving beverages. She comforted those who were hurting. She also crafted various ornaments or gifts that were sold at the church to help the church coffers at Christmas time or whenever it was needed. Hers was a generous and giving spirit.

Olga and Art were always on the go but happy to be homebodies, too. They were always thinking of their cats, dogs and cows welfare. They enjoyed travelling and visiting Long Beach Island, NJ where they had a modest cottage for many years. They traveled to Alaska by car on the AL-Can highway before it was paved (1950s). In their later years they visited Great Britain, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and many other US states among other travels

Olga enjoyed music but mainly she enjoyed the company of others. She relished talking and laughing with friends and family. Hers was a very warm, generous and loving soul.

Olga was predeceased by husband of 68 years, Arthur in 2012.  Her sister, Stella Shanley passed away in 2010. Her nieces, May Victoria Shanley Witte resides in Queens, New York and her other niece, Patricia Shanley, lives in Yakima, Washington.

She is also survived by Arthur’s sister Carol Larsen Wood, and Olga and Art’s nieces and nephews Linda Wood Gray, Beverly Mackie, Daniel Marlatt, and Keith Larsen and her close family friends, Betty and Jim Doig (Illinois) and their daughter Leslie McKeegan and her children Stephanie and Quentin McKeegan.

 A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, Delhi on Saturday, January 15^th at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Doctor Lisa Ruth Mays presiding. A graveside service will follow at the Tongore Cemetery in Olivebridge NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 4 Clinton St., Delhi, NY 13753 or Heart of the Catskill Humane Society , PO Box 88, Delhi, NY 13753.

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with Olga’s family.

To watch Olga's memorial service use the link below

Olga Davis Memorial Service