JEANNETTE (VIRGO) DAVISON

Jeannette Davison Jan. 28, 1913 - Jan. 26, 2015 MISHAWAKA - Jeannette Muriel (Virgo) Davison, 101 years young, passed away in the presence of her family at 11:45 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2015 at the home of her daughter in Mishawaka. Jeannette "Granny J" was born in South Bend, IN to the late Alice & Joseph Virgo on January 28, 1913.

On October 17, 1937 she married Ralph Edward Davison who preceded her in death in February 1963. Also preceding her in death were half-brothers, Allan, Leslie and Norman Zimmerman, and a half-sister, Eileen (Zimmerman) Gingerich.

She is survived b: four children, Allan Minot (Judy) Davison of Gilbert, AZ, Alice Diane (Herman) Fry of Benton Harbor, MI, Cheryl Jean (Richard) Puterbaugh of Mishawaka, IN and Lois Eileen (Dave) Joers of South Bend, IN. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Mark Davison, Brian Davison, Tracy Abney, James Puterbaugh, Jennifer Fry, Hollie Joers and Stacey Miller, honorary grandchild Great-Niece, Lynn Zimmerman Terell, eight great-grandchildren and two honorary, and one great-great grandchild.

Jeannette was a lifelong resident of the South Bend area and graduated in 1931 from Central High School

. In her earlier years she was an avid tennis player and bowler and loved tending to her flowers. In the 1930's she was a telephone operator at Indiana Bell. She had been a child care provider, worked at the Lincoln Highway Bakery, and was a retiree of S.S. Kresge's in downtown South Bend. She was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She shared many life memories with Gladys Kirch whom she met in kindergarten and who passed away in November 2013. Her secret to longevity was the ability to giggle her way through life and she often called herself a "silly old goof" or a "one-eyed Pete." She had a desire to outlive Bob Hope, which she accomplished. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Charles Higgs-Coulthard, Nurse Laura and the Center for Hospice for their wonderful care.

Cremation will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be given to the Center for Hospice of St. Joseph County. Elkhart Cremation Services is entrusted with arrangements.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jan. 29, 2015.

01/14/2023 EJS