Frieda Davis

A lifelong resident of Erie, Pa., Frieda Silver Davis, daughter of the late Max and Rose Silver died on April 28, 2013 in Memphis TN, where she has made her home for the last three years.

Born in Niagara Falls, NY in 1926, she is the daughter of Polish immigrants who traveled to America to make a safe and prosperous life for themselves. Her father moved the family to Erie where he became a well-known businessman and prominent figure in the Jewish community.

He was instrumental in the building of the Congregation Brith Shalom on upper State Street, where Frieda participated in the Jewish woman's group, Hadassah, and served on the Chevra Kadisha and in several positions on the Jewish Center's board.

A 1944 graduate of Academy High School, she attained a bachelor degree at the University of Cincinnati. A constant learner, she went on to earn several Master's degrees at both Gannon and Edinboro Universities. Frieda taught for almost 30 years in the Millcreek School system where her students always considered her "larger-than-life". She loved to tell grand stories that kept her history and psychology students captivated. She was a willing listener and consoler to many and loved organizing graduation each year.

Upon retirement she indulged her lifelong love of antiques by establishing Unicorn Antiques. She and her business partner sold their treasures at many of the tri-state antique fairs.

Frieda will always be remembered for her quirky glasses, extravagant jewelry and brightly colored fingernails. She devoured books by the dozen, especially science fiction, and loved a good game of bridge. Her one regret was that she never completed the PHD in psychology she began many years ago. She was an avid traveler and dedicated mother.

Frieda was married to the late Eugene Davis and together they raised four children. Surviving are Dr. Nina Davis and her husband Nicolas Johantgen of Portland, OR; Jeri Davis Rubin, husband Brian and their children Jessica and Joshua of Memphis, TN; David Davis, wife Pamela and their children Sarah and Benjamin of Erie, PA and youngest daughter Sandi Millison, husband Barry and their children, Rachel and Aaron of Silver Spring, MD. Also surviving are siblings Larry Silver of Winter Garden, FL and Bertha Shoulson of Brooklyn, NY, and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband and parents she is also preceded in death by her brothers Samuel Silver and Abraham Silver.

Frieda's children will receive family and friends at Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th Street, Erie, PA on Tuesday, April 30th from noon until 2:00 pm followed by a funeral service. Interment will be immediately following at the CBS Jewish Cemetery on West Ridge and Asbury Roads, Erie, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State Street, Erie, PA 16508 or to the charity of one's choice.