Joy Davidson: Rest in Peace
Contributed by John Davidson
Following a year-long battle with cancer, Joy Elizabeth Davidson, 47, died on February 24, 2024, at home surrounded by her family and beloved parish priest, who prayed with her up until her final moment on earth.
An Alaskan for more than 20 years, Joy was a devoted wife, mother of eight, and a deeply committed Catholic. Throughout her trial, she grew in faith, offering her sufferings and prayers for others.
Joy was born January 17, 1977, in Eureka, CA, to Don and Debby Menick.
An adventurous and joyful soul, she loved the outdoors, sports, road trips, wind surfing, hiking, and had a deep love for literature.
Joy spent much of her childhood and adolescence in Charleston, South Carolina, and later studied philosophy at Wheaton College, where she met and befriended her future husband, Joel Davidson.
Joy and Joel wed in 2002 and settled in the Mat-Su Valley, where Joel grew up. Not long after they were married, they were both received into the Catholic Church along with their firstborn child.
St. Michael Catholic Church in Palmer has been the Davidson’s longstanding parish for nearly 20 years, and the family is deeply involved in parish life. There, Joy led vacation bible schools and women’s study groups, infusing the parish with vibrancy and passion for Our Lord.
Their first child, Josiah, was born in 2003, followed at regular intervals by Noelle, Isaac, Elias, Charity, Patrick, James, and Michael. Joy homeschooled all her children, sending Josiah off to college in 2022 and Noelle in 2023. She poured her heart and soul into her children, immersing them in the richness of the Catholic faith, classic literature, music, the arts and sciences, as well as frequent outdoor expeditions across the state.
Joy was also an accomplished violinist, performing with the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra and many other groups, including The Fireside Quartet, which she helped found. In addition, she taught hundreds of violin students over the course of many years.
Joy is survived by her husband Joel and eight children, as well as her parents, Don and Debby Menick of Charleston, South Carolina, and sister Crystal Spagna (Andre) of Kalispell, Montana, and Alli Durst (Will) of Summerville, South Carolina, and a large extended family.