The Academy of Vocal Arts Mourns the Loss of Board Chair and Friend, Sally Paxson Davis
Sally Paxson Davis of Radnor, PA passed away on Friday, July 4th at Waverly Heights in Gladwyne, PA after a battle with leukemia. She was 68 years old.
Monday, July 7, 2008: Sally Paxson Davis was born on March 22nd, 1940 and grew up at Elm Grove Farm in Bucks County (Holicong) Pennsylvania. The property had been given to her father's family by land grant from William Penn in 1680. She was an accomplished rider and competed in many horse shows until an accident hindered her ability to continue. Sally attended Springside School, Foxcroft School and Bradford College.
In 1967 she married Robert L. Davis and moved to Radnor, Pennsylvania where she became a devoted wife and mother.
Following in the footsteps of her mother, Adele Warden Paxson, Sally was currently serving as chairman of the board of The Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. Founded in 1934 by Sally's grandmother, Helen Corning Warden, The Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) has become known as the world's premier full-scholarship opera training program. Under Sally's leadership, AVA trained artists enjoyed unprecedented success in winning international vocal competitions and engagements with the world's outstanding opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden, La Scala, Berlin Staatsoper, and the Salzburg Festival. Sally inspired AVA's staff, faculty, and resident artists always to aspire to the highest levels of achievement.
Sally Paxson Davis is survived by her husband of 41 years, Robert L. Davis, a son, Douglas K. (Catherine) Davis, a daughter Caroline D. (Warren) Claytor, and two grandchildren, Pepper W.P. Claytor, and Carol P. Davis. Services will be held this Friday, July 11th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Katharine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 104 South Aberdeen Avenue, Wayne, PA. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in Sally's memory to The Academy of Vocal Arts, 1920 Spruce St., Philadelphia 19103. Contributions may be given online .
