Doris Davy: 101 Years of Faith, Family, and a Love of Gardening

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Doris Davy
May 4, 1923 – March 22, 2025

Doris Davy, age 101, passed away on March 22, 2025. She was born May 4, 1923 to Merle and Wes Meenen of Zamora, California. She was the oldest sister to Marjorie and Joy. 

Doris grew up in Woodland, California. Her earliest memory, at two years old, was seeing her first electric light. At the 1939 World’s Fair at Treasure Island, she saw television for the first time. “The Jack Benny Show” was playing. In that same year, 16-year-old Doris met the love of her life, John Davy. They married on June 6, 1941, and moved to Loleta. They bought their first house in 1944 for $1,600. Doris and John raised their five children in Loleta, and resided there for more than 60 years, until moving to Fortuna in 2002. 

She was a longtime member of St. Patrick’s Church, Loleta. Doris was the organist for 33 years, charter member of St. Patrick’s Altar Society, and taught Catechism for 16 years, even receiving a medal from Pope John Paul II, presented by Bishop Hurley. 

Doris loved growing vegetables and flowers in her garden. She was also an expert seamstress. Doris and John were avid travelers, visiting five continents and numerous countries and states. She was best known among the grandkids for her chocolate chip cookies. 

Doris is survived by her children – Kathy Stringer of Fortuna, Jeannette and George Nichols of Ferndale, Illeen and Alan Knapp of Eureka, and Patrick and Linda Davy of Kelseyville; sister Joy and husband Mervin of Woodland; sister-in-law, Mary James, whom she loved like a sister; thirteen grandchildren; thirty-seven great-grandchildren; and fourteen great-great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by John, her husband of 68 years; son Jerry, wife Brunhilde, and their daughter Iris; parents Merle and Wes Meenen; sister Marjorie and husband Jim Grigsby; sister-in-law and best friend, Patricia Davy; granddaughter Stephanie Raitto; and great-great granddaughter, Lillian Salceda. 

Friday, March 28th, 9:45 A.M., friends and relatives are invited to pray the Rosary at St. Patrick’s Church, Loleta, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. 

Private interment will be held at a later date. 

Donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Pantry, PO Box 430, Fortuna, or Hospice of Humboldt.