Irene Davidson

Irene (Tanner) Davidson of Rock Hill, NY passed away peacefully on July 5, 2024 at the age of 91, surrounded by her family, including her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Irene was born June 23, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY to Fanny (Hamburg) and Reuben Tanner. A first generation American, Irene grew up in the Jewish enclave of Crown Heights. As a student in the local public schools, Irene excelled academically. She could often be found with her cousin and best friend, Marcella Winter.

As a teenager, Irene was introduced to Edward Davidson and she fell in love. The two married on December 20, 1953 in Brooklyn, NY and began a family in the Canarsie neighborhood of Brooklyn, later moving with their two daughters, RubyAnn and Marilyn, to the Midwood neighborhood.

Irene pursued a career in education, earning her BA and Masters degrees at Brooklyn College. As a teacher in the NYC Public Schools, Irene taught kindergarten for over 30 years.

Irene and Ed spent 66 years together enjoying time with a loving and growing family, traveling the globe, playing as competitive bridge and tennis partners, and developing a community of friends in their homes in New York and Coconut Creek, FL. Irene always said that she had married her best friend.

Irene is survived by her daughters, RubyAnn Shulman and Marilyn Davidson (Stephen Barber); grandchildren, Eric Shulman, Hannah Barber Doucet (Samantha Doucet), Philip Shulman (Anna Plociak), and Mallorie Barber (Zach Johnston); and great-grandchildren, Olympia Doucet, Delphine Doucet, and Finley Shulman.

She is predeceased by her husband, Edward Davidson, and a son-in-law, Frederick Shulman.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at New Montefiore Cemetery in Pinelawn, Long Island, NY. Reception to follow. Shiva will be at the home of daughter Marilyn Davidson (Stephen Barber). Contact the family for details.

When her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Irene greatly appreciated and benefited from the support of Alzheimer’s family support groups. Therefore, memorial donations for Irene can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).