IN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

Marie Davis

A private family Mass is planned for Marie Theresa (Jirak) Davis, 83, who passed away peacefully Dec. 21, 2025.

She lived a full and meaningful life, grounded in faith, family, and quiet strength. A beloved sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Marie was deeply loved by all who knew her.

Born January 18, 1942, to Margaret and Leo Jirak in Tampa, Marie was the eldest of 12 children.

She grew up on her family’s farm, where early lessons in hard work, responsibility, independence, and devotion guided her throughout her life.

Marie dedicated her career to public service, spending more than 20 years with the State of Kansas and Kansas State University, followed by 23 years in federal service.

Her work included roles with the Department of Health and Education in Washington, the Department of the Army, and the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

A gifted oil painter, Marie found peace and joy through art. She loved the outdoors, especially time spent at a beach collecting seashells, searching for shark’s teeth, and fishing.

She also enjoyed gardening, traveling, and hosting family gatherings. She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church.

Her greatest joy was her family. Marie cherished her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was a steady source of love, direction, and support.

She will be remembered for her quiet grace, resilience, and deep Catholic faith, through which she lived with a profound love of the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Florence Rahn.

Marie is survived by her daughter, Regina Duncan, and son-in-law, Todd, of Fernandina Beach, Florida; her granddaughter and husband, Theresa Duncan and Zeb Gross, of Fernandina Beach, Florida; her great-grandchildren, Adrian Duncan and Francine Gross of Fernandina Beach; and her son, Jeffrey Davis and daughter-in-law, Meredith, of Newnan, Georgia; and grandchildren Bennett Davis and Marlee Davis.

She is also survived by three sisters, seven brothers, and nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marie’s memory to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, Jacksonville, Florida.