At age 94, she was unable to recuperate from a two week struggle with pneumonia followed by congestive heart failure. The loving staff of Charlestown Retirement nursing home watched over her as she peacefully passed into eternal rest.
Elizabeth attended high school and college in Jersey City, became a Registered Nurse, and promptly moved to sunny Florida in 1942. There she met and fell in love with an Air Force sergeant named Arthur Davidson. They married in 1943, built a house in Ft. Lauderdale, and started a family.
Early in their marriage, Arthur was stationed in Japan, having intermittent leave time with the family. "Skipper" decided to further her education and was accepted by Duke University to attend their new Nurse Anesthetist Program. She was in the first graduating class of that program. Her wonderful mother, "Gram," took care of their three young children during this time.
In 1953, Arthur, employed by Philco, brought the family to Washington, D.C. Two more children were born and the family moved to "Indian Range" in Davidsonville, MD.
"Skipper" began her 30 year career at Howard University, Freedman's Hospital. During her long career, she administered anesthesia to patients in the operating rooms, and taught anesthesia at Howard University. She had a remarkable understanding of individual patients' physiology and their tolerance to anesthesia. Elizabeth never lost a patient under her care.
Elizabeth and Arthur enjoyed traveling in their retirement. They went to many European countries such as England, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Belgium, France and Russia. They traveled to Mexico, Peru, and took a cruise to Alaska. Twice Elizabeth went to Medjugorje, Yugoslavia, where apparitions of the Virgin Mary took place.
Along with the joys of raising five children, "Skipper" enjoyed going to plays, reading the newspaper every day, selling Real Estate in Anne Arundel County, riding horses, boating the Severn River, gardening, restoring "Indian Range," music, animals, antiques, discussing politics, and laughter.
She was a devout Catholic; attended Holy Family church in Davidsonville, St. Mary's church in Annapolis, and upon moving to Charlestown Retirement Community in 1997 attended Our Lady of the Angels.
In 1999, after 55 years of marriage, Arthur predeceased his beloved wife. Surviving are five children: Daughter Loran Davidson of Thailand, Son John Davidson of West Palm Beach, Florida, Son Eric Davidson, M.D. of Danville, Virginia, Daughter Kathryn Owen of Portland, Oregon, and Daughter Michaele Davidson of Davidsonville, Maryland; 16 grandsons; three great grand children; her nephews, John and Peter Barth, and niece, Carolyn Barth Pfeiffer. Betty was predeceased by her dear brother, John Barth, and their parents.
A Memorial Mass will take place on Saturday August 3rd at 2pm at the Charlestown Chapel; 711 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD 21228 In accordance with her wishes, Hubbard Funeral Home, Wilkins Ave., Catonsville, MD will handle cremation. Inurnment will be private.
Dear John its Brenda head here I just found the news on your mother Elizabeth I remember her with great fun memories and the times that I spent her home working for her sorry for your loss I hope all is well with you
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