Dorothy Braithwaite-Davis

Dorothy Braithwaite Davis Dorothy Davis, of Toledo, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 8, 2015, at the age of 96. Dorothy was born on February 15, 1919, in Wood County, Ohio, to Dale and Clara Claar Fought. She graduated from Gibsonburg High School as valedictorian and then attended Davis Business College. Dorothy was married to the love of her life, Thomas Braithwaite, for 29 years; he died an untimely death in 1969. She was employed as a secretary at the Fuller Brush Company before starting her family. After raising her family, she was employed by Davy-Ollivier Interiors. In 1983, she retired from her position as secretary at Owens-Illinois. In 1977, she married Charles F. Davis, and had 25 wonderful years until his death. Dorothy was a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church since 1944, where she served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, member of the Altar Guild for 30 years (director for many years), president of the Episcopal Churchwomen, the first woman to serve on the vestry, trustee of the Foundation, member of the Bishop Tucker Guild, and member of the St. Matthew’s Quilters. She worked for six years with a research team to write the church history, From the Holy Spirit to St. Matthews, published in 2008. She was also a member of the Owens-Illinois Golden Emblem Club. She was a woman of many talents and interests; among them were gardening, reading, quilting, cooking, sewing, and spending time with family. She was not only a reader but also a lifelong learner. Despite being almost a centenarian, she read 76 books over the past year. People remember her for her beauty--both inside and out-- and frequently remark about the example she set of how to lead a Christian life. She was the epitome of kindness and generosity as demonstrated by her selfless devotion to serving others. She will be deeply missed by those whose lives she graced with her presence. Dorothy is survived by her children Linda (Buck) Miller of Alabama; Sue (Henry) Merce, Sylvania; Ann (Frank) Avignone, South Carolina; Daniel (Charlotte) Braithwaite, Florida; and Thomas (Christine) Braithwaite, California; sister, Florence Neuendorff; grandchildren Matthew, Jennifer, Jerilyn, Scott, Bryce, Adam, Nathan, Connie, Brian, Annie, and Allison as well as 47 great-grandchildren and five nieces and nephews. Her parents and sister Lois Swaisgood predeceased her. The family will receive guests Tuesday, July 14, 2015, from 2 p.m.-8 p.m. at Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue (419-472-7633). Services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 5240 Talmadge Road with burial following at Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Matthew’s Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be sent to the family at ansberg-west.com.

Dorothy Braithwaite-Davis

February 5, 1919 - July 8, 2015