Mary Christine Cotugno was born June 7, 1922, three days before the birth of legendary actress Judy Garland. World War I had ended just three and a half years earlier, and World War II wouldn’t reach the United States for nearly two more decades. Warren G. Harding was U.S. President, and America and much of the world were riding high in an era that would come to be known as “The Roaring Twenties.”

Born to Dominic and Carmela Cotugno, who’d moved to Akron, Ohio, from Sicily, young Mary embraced her hard-working Italian Catholic heritage. While she had no siblings, the little girl wasn’t lonely; she had many nearby cousins to play with throughout her childhood. While Mary and her cousins enjoyed their innocent childhood leisure time, they had no idea that the roar of the twenties was about to be eclipsed by the whimper of The Great Depression.

Depression-era life wasn’t easy for the Cotugno family, but they came through it, strengthened by their resolve and by their tenacious Catholic faith. On the other side of the harsh decade of the thirties was the equally challenging first half of the forties, when Americans had to again tighten their belts so that the nation could focus most of its resources on World War II.

Mary wasn’t the type to roar, but neither was she a “shrinking violet.” In an era when fewer than 5 percent of U.S. women graduated from college, Mary earned her degree from Marygrove College in Detroit. While attending Marygrove College, she was introduced to a handsome fellow named John Patrick Davis. John was attending University of Detroit Mercy and the pair shared mutual friends. Although Mary did not initially show interest in John, he was persistent, and the pair started dating in 1942. Shortly after, John decided to serve his country and entered the Navy in June of 1943. As John continued his career, Mary began hers as a schoolteacher at Pershing High School in September of that same year. After a few years of dating, John proposed to the charming young schoolteacher, and they took their wedding vows on April 16, 1945. Because John was still an active-duty officer, the newlyweds had to return to John’s naval base in Florida, riding along with other naval officers. It wasn’t much of a honeymoon, but the couple enjoyed their time together, just the same.

After their return, the youngsters moved into a flat on Hartwell in Detroit while they had their new home built on Steel Street. In that home they raised and doted on their four children—Chris, Patrick, Camilla, and Michael—always providing wise guidance, along with all the kids’ material needs. Fun getaways were also a part of the Davis family life and would often take ski trips to northern Michigan. However, while John, the kids, and many of their friends hit the slopes, Mary was content to spend her time visiting with friends in the ski lodge. The family also enjoyed summers at the grandparent’s home in Clover Beach in Canada. Although Mary would play in the water, she left the swimming lessons to John. She had never learned to swim but loved watching her children’s delight.

As time passed and their children parted from the nest, John and Mary spent much of their time traveling, mostly to visit their loved ones in California, Texas, and Florida. Family was, after all, always first for Mary and John. In 1993, when the couple was in their early 70s, they took a trip of a lifetime venturing with some friends to Italy, Ireland, and France. Before John’s passing in 2009, the happy couple also regularly visited with their many nearby friends.

Once her children were grown and on their own, Mary began playing golf and tennis games at which she excelled until she was nearly ninety. Those contests often were friendly competitions with her children and grandchildren. Now, chief among the many pleasant memories family members share of Mary are the Christmas stockings she spent long hours designing and producing for her cherished children and grandchildren. Children, grandchildren, family, and friends will miss Mary’s spirit, spunk, and love.

Mary—who rejoined her beloved John on July 19, 2021, nearly a full century after her birth—personified one of her favorite adages: Every soul leaves its own unique imprint on the world and the memories of those who have passed on live in our hearts always.

Mary Christine Cotugno Davis born June 7, 1922 in Akron, Ohio died comfortably on July 19, 2021. Mary is survived by her children; Christine Davis Bauer of Austin, Texas, Dr. John Patrick Davis of San Diego, California, and Camilla Davis Cole (husband Jim) of Howell, Michigan; and daughters-in-law Paula Davis Gnagy and Carla Davis, both of Naples, Florida.  She also leaves 13 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Mary is preceded in death by her beloved John, son Michael, son-in-law Michael Bauer, daughter-in-law Julie Charles Davis, granddaughter Annie Davis Clave, parents Dominic and Carmella Cotugno, and in-laws Clare and Camilla Davis.

A Memorial Mass to celebrate Mary’s life will be Saturday, September 11th (Michael’s birthday) at 11:30a.m. at St. Fabian Catholic Church, 32200 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. Please come early to visit with the family.

If you wish to make a contribution in Mary’s name, the family requests the America Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.