Madeline Davis

Madeline Kelly Davis, age 92, of St. Johnsbury, passed away peacefully with her granddaughter beside her at the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab Center in St. Johnsbury, VT, Friday, September 18, 2026.

Madeline was born in Philadelphia, PA, on February 25, 1934, daughter to the late Bartholomew and Mary (Connor) Kelly. She was raised and educated in Philadelphia, living most of her life there until spending some time living in Boyertown, PA in her early 70’s. Madeline worked as the secretary for the art history department at Temple University for 15 years, as well as an intake coordinator at Acorn Psych Management for 10 years. She spent the majority of her life being the capstone of her family, taking care of her family, children, and her home. Madeline briefly lived in Bakersfield and St. Albans, VT, as well as Pottstown, PA. In 2021, Madeline made the journey to St. Johnsbury to reside and spend her days looking at the beautiful scenery and discovering new experiences. She married Edward Joseph Davis II, on February 11, 1956 and shared 55 years together at the time of his death on December 13, 2011.

During her time at Temple University she became someone people could rely on. Students would come to her for advice, a cheerleader, and a confidant. When she retired, the students and staff were so touched they created a goodbye book for her. In there students expressed gratitude, relaying that they knew she had supported them on their journeys, how sorely she would be missed, and how much she had done and meant to them. This shows how Madeline lit up a room when she entered, someone whose positivity radiated from her body, a true diamond.

She was a devoted and loving daughter, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend throughout her lifetime. She loved puzzles, crosswords and reading, which brought her comfort through the long days. She was a vibrant, hardworking, empathetic, beautiful soul who brought joy to all those who knew her. She always greeted the world with a smile, a listening ear, and a warm personality. She was always interested in what others had to say, how their day was, or was ready to offer a shoulder for those who needed to share their hardships. She was a warm cup of tea on a rainy day, a steady and comforting presence for everyone who knew her; and her comforting spirit and warm embrace brought peace to those she loved.

She is survived by her children Madeline (Grove) Colburn of Boyertown, PA, and Edward Davis III of Bellefonte, PA; grandchildren: Edward (Jen) Davis IV, Jamie (Sarah) Davis, Bridgette (James) Monroe, Meagan (Uriah) Cochran; great-grandchildren: Edward Davis V, Gracelyn Cochran & Atticus Monroe; nieces Susan Riehl and Donna Kinkle, and nephew Bill Kinkle. Madeline was predeceased by her sister Ann Kinkle, husband Edward Davis II, and her daughter Karen M. West.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Madeline’s name can be made to the American Cancer Society.

There will be no Calling Hours.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saylesfh.com.