Eleanor Marilyn Davis

It is with a profound sense of loss the family of Eleanor (Toni) Marilyn Davis announces that she has rejoined the great river of life, on the morning on October 4, 2012, surrounded by her adoring family. Toni leaves behind a large community of family and friends who will forever miss her inimitable presence, her elegance, her kindness, her beautiful face. Toni was the greatly admired and cherished matriarch of a large, boisterous clan who loved and embraced her steadfastness, her happy energy, humour, generosity, and her great joie de vivre. To her many friends of all ages she was a valued and loyal companion, always ready for a concert or play, a walk in the park, a table of bridge, or a shared meal and a glass of wine. She will be remembered as an inspired and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. She was a gifted pianist and vocal soloist, an early yoga and belly dance enthusiast, an avid walker, a wonderful cook, a passionate lover of classical music, an icon of beauty and style, a pretty good hand at bridge, a world traveller, a voracious reader, and a shining example of a life well-lived.

Toni was born Eleanor Hickman in Oxford, NS, on September 10, 1925, to Rhoma May and Renforth Ralf Hickman. Her early years were spent happily embraced by her small community, with summers at the family cottage at Heather Beach and winters skating after school before returning to the house on Prince Street that she shared with her parents, brother Don, sister Margie, and aunt Bess Murray. Toni excelled at playing the piano and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in music from Mount Alison University, following which she attended the prestigious Julliard School of Performing Arts (New York City) on a full scholarship.

Toni loved New York and Julliard and would have stayed longer but for the handsome minister's son back home in Oxford. So Toni left the big city and returned home to marry the love of her life, Gerry Davis, now a medical doctor, and they moved to Annapolis Royal where they started their family. They soon moved on to Halifax and Toni's years at Ridgewood Drive were filled with raising children, gardening, sailing and travel. There were many halcyon days filled with sunshine, laughter, music, endless wonderful meals, and ongoing well-attended and high-spirited theme parties. Toni and Gerry welcomed all their children's friends and various boyfriends and girlfriends, without question and infused grace into a hosting style that kept everyone coming back for more. Whether it was the moon landing or the Russia-Canada hockey series, Toni could always make any event into a happening.

When her husband experienced an illness that precluded his attendance at many social events, Toni learned to balance their happiness together with an energetic, ongoing social life. She often noted that she never wanted to say no to any invitation. She epitomized the good friend who always brought her marvellous social skills to every event she attended. After her beloved Gerry died, she embarked on an independent life in her elegant condo. Toni never slowed down loving regular games of bridge with a long-standing group of close friends, dinner several times a week with family and friends, her book club, concerts, and the many other invitations that came her way.

She embraced people, life, and life's events and was renowned in her family for her contagious, tinkly laugh. She faced her illness with real dignity and did not let it slow her down until absolutely necessary. Even to the last, she was uncomplaining, was able to laugh in the face of her situation, and continued to express her gratitude to all the friends, family, and support workers who helped her forward in her journey. When the time came, with all her children around her, she slipped peacefully away.

Toni was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Gerry Davis; sister, Marjorie LaRouche (Charles); brother, Donny Hickman (Marjorie); sister-in-law, Dorothy Mahaney (Gordon). She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren, and is survived by her children Cheryl McKenzie (Colin), Jane (Stan), Geddy (Elizabeth), and Joann (Sean); grandchildren Jill McKenzie (Haidar), Lauren McKenzie (Jeff), Andrew McKenzie (Nicole), Victoria McKenzie (Jason), Lucy Sowerby (Ron), Natalie Sowerby (Tom), Julia Davis, and Allison Davis; nieces Cynthia Black (Ian), Elizabeth Hickman, and Cathy Mumford (Clifford) and nephews Gordon Mahaney (Gail) and Michael Mahaney (Wendi); and many cousins and friends.

Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude go to Dr. Peggy Leighton, Dr. Scott Bagnell, Dr. Lori Wood and nurse Pat; the team at Palliative Care, especially Devin and Dr. Erin Corstan; the VON nurses, especially Joanne; and Golden Age Home Care private RNs Danielle, Emily, and Ruth; and for the many thoughtful gifts of flowers, cards, emails, and food from so many friends and family.

As a family we will go forward, endeavouring to do honour to her grace, style, and wit, and mindful of her openness and inclusiveness toward everyone. Her desire and innate ability to connect with all who crossed her path and her pure joy of living continue to be an inspiration to us all as we go on. We will always cherish her radiant spirit in our hearts and in everything we do.

Cremation has taken place and a service will be held on a future date to be determined. Donations may be made to Symphony Nova Scotia, online at: www.symphonynovascotia.ca or by mail to: Symphony Nova Scotia, 5657 Spring Garden Rd., Box 218, Halifax, N.S B3H 3R1 or to The Halifax Public Gardens, online www.halifaxpublicgardens.ca or by writing Friends of the Public Gardens, PO box 36013, 5665 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, N.S. B3J 3S9.

Condolences may be sent to Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax, NS, B3K 5C9 or by visiting www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com