Suzann Davids

Marjorie Suzann Davids, 89, of Wadsworth, Ohio, formerly of Elkhart, IN, died Friday June 28 at home.

Suzann was born May 21, 1930 in Elkhart, IN to Robert and Audrey (Behymer) Young.

She graduated from Elkhart High School in 1948, received a Bachelor of Music degree from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, a Master of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Iowa, and a Juris Doctorate from Valparaiso University.

Suzann married Donald J. Davids on June 16, 1957 and soon after they made their home in Denver, CO where they raised their three children.

Suzann became well-known as a professional harpist and harp teacher.  She was professor of harp at over a dozen universities in Colorado, Indiana, and Michigan, and she taught many private students from young children to adults.  Suzann left a fine legacy in her harp students, with many of them continuing into careers as professional musicians, and many of them remaining in contact with her for years past the time of their study with her.

Upon their return to Indiana in the 1980s, Suzann and Donald took over management of her father’s title insurance company (Elkhart County Abstract Co.).

Suzann was a lifelong learner (she received her Juris Doctorate at age 65), and she loved travelling the world.  Together, she and Don visited many countries in Europe, East Asia, and Latin America, including the Caribbean Islands, as well as Canada and much of the US.  As an internationally renowned harpist her travels took her on many other international adventures which included Australia.  As much as Suzann loved to travel she gave it up to take care of Don when he was stricken with Alzheimer’s disease.

Suzann will be deeply missed by her children Deborah (Ken) Holzworth of Wadsworth; Mark (Lynette) Davids of Boley, OK, and Douglas Davids of Leavenworth, KS;  grandchildren Emily (Jeremy) Grigsby, Daniel Holzworth, Julia (Ryan) Kopina, Cassandra Holzworth, Lucas Holzworth, Kaitlyn (Clark) Skaggs, and Matthew Davids; great-grandchildren Zane, Tzeitel, and Hava Grigsby; sister Roberta Motz of Gallatin, TN.  She was preceded in death by her husband Donald in 2013.

Graveside services will be held on July 13 at 1:00 p.m. at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart, IN and on July 14 at the Wright Christian Reformed Church in Kanawha, IA.  Roberts Funeral Home - Hillcrest Chapel, Wadsworth, OH is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com.