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Davidson, Emma (Zaspal)
Emma (Zaspal) Davidson, 85, a resident of Higley Mansion Care Center, formerly of 2101 Mallory St. SW, died early Thursday, May 16, 2013, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha following a short illness. Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, 1228 Second St. SE, by the Rev. William Harnish. Burial: Czech National Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Emma is survived by her son, Ken Davidson and wife Shirley Magner-Davidson, Fairfax; granddaughter, Amanda Davidson, Fort Madison; sister, Lottie Volesky and husband Roman, Shueyville; sister-in-law, Alice Stick, Surprise, Ariz.; several nieces and nephews; special friend, Rose Marie “Cookie” Vanous, Springville, who was like a daughter to Emma; and her faithful companion, “Monkey.”
She was preceded in death by Harold, her husband of 56 years; parents, Frank Edward and Frances Mary (Oska) Zaspal; brothers, Frank Jr. and Louis Zaspal; and sisters, Rose Erue and Helena Zaspal.
Emma was born Sept. 7, 1927, in Cedar Rapids, and was a lifelong resident. She married Harold Martin Davidson on Sept. 7, 1948, at the Czech Reformed Church in Cedar Rapids. Harold died Oct. 21, 2004. Emma was employed at Quaker Oats Co. for 41 years, retiring in 1992.
She was a member of the Czech Heritage Foundation, a 75-year member of Lodge Karel IV No. 13 WFLA, Federation of Czech Groups, Sokol Cedar Rapids, Lodge Prokop Velky No. 137 CSA, board member of Czech National Cemetery, past board member of National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (1979-1980) and member of the Museum's Guild, Damska Matice Skolska and several volunteer groups.
Emma enjoyed playing cards, going for rides and going to her son and daughter-in-law's home for dinner and visiting.
Emma will be remembered by all who knew her for her kind and caring heart and beautiful smile.
Emma's family would like to thank the staff at the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy for the wonderful care they gave her the last week of her life and to the staff at the Higley Mansion Care Center, a big “thank you” for everything that you did for Emma over the past five years.
A memorial fund has been established in Emma's name.
Published May 19, 2013 in The Gazette
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