Obituary: Mauri Davison

Mauri lived most of her childhood abroad in Manila, the Philippines; Penang, Malaysia; and Singapore. She came to live with her Uhrig grandparents in Spokane, Wash., for the last part of high school and attended nearby Washington State University, achieving her bachelor’s degree in art education. She met her first husband, William “Bill” O’Mahoney, an architecture student at University of Idaho, in 1968 shortly after her college graduation. Mauri worked as a veterinary assistant at the time, and the two met through a mutual friend who knew their shared interests in German Shepherds. The two welcomed six children: Ami, Tim, Abby, Tom, Sadie, and Maizie. They lived in Moscow, Idaho, and she worked as a landlord for three properties she owned, ran a successful daycare business, and grew and sold succulents.

Mauri started dating Scott Davison, who would become her second husband, on May 18, 1980 — the day that Mt. St. Helens erupted. Neighbors previously, Scott invited Mauri and her children for a playdate with his two kids, Chris and Jenny, on his farm outside of Troy, Idaho. At the end of the date, even though the ash was building and falling from the sky, Mauri insisted that Scott drive her and her children home. Mauri and Scott were married on Sept. 3, 1980, but always considered May 18 to be their anniversary. They remained married for 43 years, until her passing.

In 1980, the family moved to Cascade Locks, Ore., where Scott and Mauri started their teaching careers. Two years later they moved across the Columbia River to Stevenson, Wash. Mauri worked as a special education teacher at Cascade Locks School for 17 years, and enjoyed teaching and connecting with gifted and challenged students.

A patient, supportive, and encouraging mother, Mauri provided a loving and strong foundation for her six biological children and two stepchildren to flourish. She emphasized the virtues of tolerance and fairness. She also had the talent and kindness to rescue any living thing. She saved coyotes, owls, woodpeckers, and even a butterfly by super-gluing its wing. She co-managed a farm of goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, pigeons, rabbits, dogs, cats, and the occasional horse or donkey, and she excelled at growing and propagating all kinds of plants.

Upon retirement in 2000, Mauri enjoyed river-rafting on the Lower Salmon River; RV’ing — she traveled across the country by every route available, and from Washington to Alaska many times; sailing on the Columbia River and up to the San Juan Islands; gardening; cross-stitch and other crafts; and spending time with her kids and grandkids.

Mauri is survived by her husband, eight children, 19 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and her and Scott’s beloved dogs.

A private gathering was held on Saturday, Nov. 18. The family asks that donations to West Columbia Gorge Humane Society be made instead of flowers or other gifts.