Gloria Alice Davidson

Age 84, had suffered from Parkinson's for several years and after a serious fall and hospitalization, she passed from this life on Tuesday, October 1, 2013. Gloria is survived by her husband, Paul Davidson; their three sons and wives, Greg and Kristen of Albuquerque, Tim and Diana of Shiprock, NM, and Doug and Susan Davidson of Corrales, NM; grandchildren, Kelie Helgeland and husband, Thomas, Scott Davidson and wife, Ashley, Kitt Davidson, Will Davidson and wife, Brittany, Kylie Davidson, Seamus Davidson, Elena Davidson, Drew Davidson, all of Albuquerque, and Makala Davidson of Shiprock, NM; and great-granddaughter, Penny Jeanne Helgeland of Albuquerque. She was preceded in death by her parents, EG and Alice Schweizer. Gloria was born to Alice and E.G. Schweizer on January 19, 1929, in Williamson County in Marion City, IL. Gloria spent her youth in Newman, IL and moved to Albuquerque her senior year. She attended Albuquerque High, where she took part in band, choral classes, and musicals. Gloria graduated from Albuquerque High and returned to study at the Conservatory of Music at Millikin University in Decatur, IL. It was here she met her future husband, Paul Davidson, and they were sweethearts for 63 years. Further study at the University of New Mexico led her to certification to become a public school teacher in 1963. Her great love of people was extended not only to her beloved family and friends, but to her many music students at Hays-Embudo, a combination of Elementary-Junior High School and then to Manzano High School. The show choir, Morningsong, and other vocal groups made several trips to California in two large buses to perform at Disneyland, Sea World, and Knott's Berry Farm. The music groups were always well received with much applause. Gloria retired in 1987. Known for the highest standards in the pursuit of excellence in her chosen field, she is also remembered for encouraging and building Faith, Character, Loyalty, and Love of Country in the lives of those around her. She enthusiastically supported school teams and professional sports, never missing the opportunity for a smile, a laugh, or a hug. Gloria was a lifetime member of Alpha Chi Omega Social Sorority, Sigma Alpha Iota Music Sorority, and Delta Kappa Gamma Professional Educators Sorority. Nearly all of her life, cookies with coffee or milk for family, friends, and students who stopped by at their home of 58 years. You didn't have to wait for an invitation, company was always welcome and kept coming until the end. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 19, 2013, 1:00 p.m., at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1100 Indian School Rd. NE, with Pastor Patricia L. Holman officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1100 Indian School Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 or American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305-1425, or a charity of your choice.