Marilyn Sparks Davidson's Obituary
Marilyn Sparks Davidson, 95, died peacefully on October 1, 2023 with her beloved granddaughter Kaylen at her side. She was born in Pittsburgh PA on October 21, 1927, the first child of Ralph and Gertrude (Kwall) Sparks.
She graduated at the age of 16 from Schenley HS, and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh at the age of 20. Despite being the youngest member she was elected President of her sorority. She married Donald Davidson in 1948 and they celebrated 53 years of marriage before he passed away in 2001.
Marilyn was an academic, reading as many as 3 books simultaneously until just weeks before she passed. She had unique green/gold colored eyes and a quick wit that charmed almost everyone she met. She was a stickler for grammatical precision and proudly displayed a sign saying “I am silently correcting your grammar.” She also had a heart of gold. She continued to read the paper and do puzzles every day until shortly before her death.
She is survived by her son, Charles (Karen) and daughter Amy (Peter Lofting). She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Ben (Katherine), Kaylen (Nicholas) and Vasso, and 3 great grandchildren Kira, Noah and Adam. She is also survived by her companion for many years, Norman Davidson of Boston, and her younger brother Don Sparks in College Station, Texas.
Her nickname was “Sparky” but she was a torch for for positivity. Her life was filled with a joyous optimism and in her last years, she always responded “Terrific” when asked how she was doing. Her glass was always more than half full, and her spirit was a lesson in looking at the best in life for all of us.
She will be buried with her husband at Allegheny Memorial Park in Pittsburgh, PA.
The family will hold a private service.
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