Linda Graninger Davis of Belle Haven died on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012 at Mount Vernon Hospital of an aneurism. She was 93 years old.
Born in Falmouth, Va., she graduated from Falmouth High School in 1935 and received her nursing degree from the University of Virginia in 1944 where she was a member of the Jefferson Society.
She achieved the rank of Captain in the Army Nurse Corps and served on the Frances Y. Slanger Hospital Ship, the largest of its kind in the world, making five trips to the European Theatre of Operations during World War II. After her discharge, she served as a registered nurse at Alexandria General Hospital where her nursing skills and instincts were highly respected. A doctor once commented that when Linda was on duty, the patients were in the best of hands. Subsequent to her position at the hospital, she became a private duty nurse.
Up to the end of her life, Mrs. Davis' mind was extremely sharp. She loved to read until macular degeneration set in, however the Talking Books Program served her well with interesting books. She also kept current on world affairs. Earlier in her life she was an antique and stamp collector and all of her life she was an expert gardener. She knew the Latin as well as the English names for many plants and flowers. She spent many hours working in her yard propagating lovely plants and was always very proud of her flowers. She was happiest talking about her flowers and willingly offered bouquets to her friends and visitors even up to the day she was hospitalized. Her beautiful camellias, which always brought her much joy, were heavily in bloom on the day of her passing.
She is survived by nieces and nephews and many devoted friends.
Memorial donations may be made in her name to Meals on Wheels, 12011 Government Center Hwy., Fairfax, VA 22035-1102.
Anne Bendann