Eunice Patricia “Pat” Davis passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, in her home, in New Orleans, LA, at the age of 98. Raised in Princeton, NJ, by freethinking, bohemian, entrepreneurial parents, Ruth and Murray Sloshberg Bailey, Pat was an athletic child and natural leader to her younger brothers, Ralph and Larry. Their tight-knit family was surrounded by an enormous array of aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides. This sprawling but close family structure shaped Pat’s entire worldview and inspired her to become the matriarch of her own expansive, close tribe.
At 19, Pat married Morton J. Davis, a handsome soldier from his own sprawling family. After a short stint at Dartmouth, they moved to Brooklyn, NY, where daughter Susan and son Richard were born. The family spent years in Roslyn, NY, and Princeton, where Pat aspired to be the ultimate mid-century housewife — keeping house and hosting soirees. Her business ambitions peeked through, however, when she and a friend launched a bookmobile business. Family was always at the heart of her life; she made sure to keep loved ones close, also embracing her teenage niece Laura, into her home as another daughter.
After 23 years of marriage, Pat chose to forge a new path, divorcing and embracing the swinging ’70s as a single woman. She spent joyful years living near her now-adult children in Washington, DC, where she formed a lifelong friendship with James Kabler. She later returned to Princeton to be near her parents and brothers. In a bold move, she opened her own interior design business. With impeccable taste and fearless independence, she pursued a career in an era when few women struck out on their own. She had an eye for beauty, a love for elegant spaces, and a deep appreciation for artists, including her dear friend Linda LeBoeuf, who created renderings of her designs.
In the 1980s, Pat embarked on a new adventure in Manhattan, where she lived until 2010. It was during this time that she became a grandmother, affectionately known as Baba. Living in the same building as her daughter Susan, she played a central role in raising her granddaughter Zoe. Baba was a bon vivant, a lover of the arts, an active board member of Urban Stages NYC, and a lifetime member of National Council of Jewish Women. She instilled in her grandchildren an appreciation for art, design, theater, and travel, ensuring they carried on her love for culture. She was a devoted people-watcher, a sharp observer of the human condition, and the proud organizer of many family reunions. As president of the “Cousins Club,” she brought together nieces, nephews, and extended family for summers at the beach.
In 2005, a health crisis meant it was time for the village she had built to care for her. Alongside Susan, Rick, Laura and Ina, dedicated caregivers including Maka Peradze, Olga Lizardo and family, and Tanya Gill, ensured that Baba’s later years remained joyful and laughter-filled. In 2010, Pat moved to New Orleans to be closer to her son, settling into a lovely apartment overlooking the oak trees and Mardi Gras parades of St. Charles Avenue. She continued to love parties and large gatherings until the very end. At 96 years old, when she could barely walk, she found the strength to shake and shimmy at her grandson Matthew’s wedding.
Pat is survived by her brother, Larry Bailey, and was predeceased by her brother, Ralph Bailey. Larry’s late wife, Nancy, and Ralph’s surviving wife, Eileen, remain cherished members of the family.
She leaves behind her beloved children, Richard Davis (Ina), Susan Davis, and Laura Boyd (John).
Pat was also a loving aunt to Kimberly Borek (George), Cynthia Landis (Jon), Brad Bailey (Cathy), Jenifer Wirtshafter (David), and Scott Bailey (Jory), and adored cousin of Renee Bretton.
Her memory lives on through her cherished grandchildren: Matthew Davis (Marc), David Davis (Vassiliki), Brett Davis, Zoe Lukov, Josh Boyd (Heather), Jordan Novak (Alexandra), and Ian Boyd (Rebecca). She delighted in seeing her family grow in numbers and love across the generations.
As the end drew near, Pat found comfort in knowing that her beloved parents, Ruth and Murray, were ready to pick her up on the other side and take her to the next big party. Wherever she is, we can all smile knowing Pat is laughing, dancing, and shouting out her tagline: “We’re having fun now!”
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. in Kimble Funeral Home, Princeton, NJ followed by interment, beside her parents, at Princeton Cemetery, Princeton, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Desert X, National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Orleans or a charity of your choice is greatly appreciated.
Extend condolences and share memories at TheKimbleFuneralHome.com.
