SOUTH PORTLAND – Erla J. Davis, 71, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009. Erla was born in Bar Harbor, the oldest daughter of Kenneth and Adelaide Cleaves. She graduated from Bar Harbor High School and Colby College, and also attained her master’s degree in social work from Toronto University in 1989. Erla and her husband, Larry, raised their family in Albany, N.Y., and Toronto, and after the death of her husband, Erla returned to Maine and settled in South Portland. Erla worked for many years as a social worker in the cardiac care unit of Maine Medical Center, retiring just a year and a half ago. She was a communicant of St. Luke’s Cathedral and held many leadership positions there, including member of the vestry and chairperson of Outreach. Erla was predeceased by her husband, Larry in 1985. She is survived by her son, Mark Davis of Toronto; her daughter, Rachel Davis of Toronto; her grandson, Shaquille Davis, also of Toronto; her brother, Dana Cleaves and his wife, Debi, of Scarborough; and her sister, Carlyn Watts and her husband, Martin, of Otisfield. Erla is also survived by many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces who adored her and who will miss her enthusiasm and encouragement to be good readers! Erla will be greatly missed not only by her family, but also by her former co-workers and clients, fellow parishioners, lifelong friends and all those who came to know her and benefit from her friendship and counsel. A burial office and requiem eucharist will be celebrated 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Cathedral Church of St. Luke, State Street, Portland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Cathedral Memorial Garden, care of Cathedral Church of St. Luke, 141 State St., Portland, ME 04101. Arrangements are by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ctcrawford.com.
ERLA J. DAVIS
