In Memory of

Marilyn

Dawn

Davis

(Risteen)

Obituary for Marilyn Dawn Davis (Risteen)

Dateline – Charlton, NY
Marilyn Dawn (Risteen) Davis, of Charlton NY, beloved wife of Donald H. Davis, passed away late last Friday March 2nd after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s. Dawn was born on July 25, 1928 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and raised in Montreal, Quebec. She met her husband Don in High School, and they were married five years later on the 16th of September 1950 after Don graduated college. The couple moved to the NY Capital District where they raised their family, making their home in Schenectady, Glenville, and since 1975 in Charlton.
Dawn will be remembered most for her cheerful disposition and optimistic outlook. Without exception, she had only positive things to say in any situation and was complimentary to everyone. Dawn loved to sing and play piano and had a beautiful voice. She was frequently heard breaking out into one of her favorite songs, even up to a few weeks before her death. Dawn was a woman of many interests and hobbies. She bred and showed award-winning Old English Sheepdogs and later Thoroughbred horses, and enjoyed gardening and reading philosophy & history. She was active in community service, volunteering her time at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady and mentoring students at Schenectady County Community College, where she ultimately realized her dream of a college degree. Dawn loved her adopted country, and pursued her interest in promoting its ideals of liberty by serving as NY State Secretary of the Libertarian Party for several years.
In addition to her husband of 67 years, Dawn is survived by her four children: Robert W. (Carol Valcik) Davis of Tyngsboro, MA, Lynn C. (Michael) Ceraldi of Charlton, NY, Anne B. (Skip) Gifford of Scotia, NY and D. Laurel (Kenneth) O’Brien of Cheshire, CT; her grandchildren, Amber D. (Johan) Klos, Aaron T. (Angela) Ceraldi, Shelby S. (Brian) Parsons, and Melissa L. (Dominic) Paratore; and by her seven (soon to be eight) great-grandchildren.
A memorial service and reception will be held at a later date to be announced. There will be no public calling hours. Spring internment will take place in Sweetman Cemetery, Charlton, NY.
The family wishes to extend their grateful thanks to Dawn’s home health aide Lakeya Pearson, and to Dr. Mina Sun and her staff at Loving Home for their exceptional love and care during the last two years. They also extend thanks to the kind and diligent staff at Saratoga Hospital during Dawn’s last few days.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Schenectady County Community College, 78 Washington Ave., Schenectady, NY 12305 or the Alzheimer’s Association, Northeastern New York, 4 Pine West Plaza Suite 405, Albany, NY 12205.
The family has placed their trust in the care of the Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, Ballston Lake, and they encourage you to view and leave messages on Dawn’s Book of Memories at www.TownleyWheelerFH.com.