2019: Davis a longtime champion

Access Press 03/10/2019
In Memoriam

Dr. Eunice Davis was an early advocate for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Davis, 89, died in January. She lived in Roseville.

Born in Sturgeon Lake in 1929, Davis earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, a medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School, a master’s degree in public health, and degree in administrative medicine from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She was a fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine, and of the American Association on Mental Retardation.

She was one of only three women to graduate from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1954, reflecting her strength and independence.

Davis served as director of an interdisciplinary program at St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center (now Regions Hospital) that provided services to children and young people with disabilities. She was an instructor and assistant professor at the University of Minnesota’s Medical School and School of Public Health. From 1965-1967, when her family lived in Bismarck, N.D., she planned and developed a state plan for services to persons with developmental disabilities.

Most recently she performed Social Security consulting work on pediatric disability determinations Davis served on many boards and committees, as a director of People’s Child Care, and a board member for People Inc. She was active in Arc, the March of Dimes and other organizations. She was a member of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities and chaired the council from 1976-1979.

Davis is survived by Gordon, her husband of 63 years, three children and their families. Services have been held with burial in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Arc Minnesota or People Inc.