Obituary
Hilda (Heidi) McKeown Davis (née Rafai)
December 24, 1937 – December 3, 2022
Passed away peacefully in her home at Tiffany Village on December 3, 2022.
Left to mourn with cherished memories are her children and stepchildren: Hilary McKeown (John Byrne), Jodi McKeown Foster (Stephen Foster) of Victoria, B.C., David McKeown (Norah Duggan), Andy Davis (Sherry Cameron) of Mississauga, ON, Laurence Davis (Wanda Murrin-Davis), Karen Davis (Ken Beal) of Würzburg, Germany and Keith Davis; her beloved grandchildren: Darcy and Teghan Byrne, Davis Foster, Chloe, Gary and Brody McKeown, Ben Davis, Norah Davis (Jen Crane), Stephen Davis, Cecilia, Heather and Stephanie Jack, great-step-granddaughter Heather and great-step-grandson Jonah. Heidi will be missed by her dear sisters Anne Chillingworth of Whitby, ON, and Irene McKee (Dave McKee) of North Bay, ON; brothers-in law Les McKeown of Salt Lake City, UT and Elmer Davis in Carbonear, NL; sisters-in-law Mabel Peyer of Barrie, ON and June Davis of Mississauga, ON; and her many nieces, nephews, friends and former colleagues. Heidi was predeceased by her loving husband Bert Davis; brothers-in-law Gerry Chillingworth, Kurt Peyer, Hudson Davis and Bruce Davis; sisters-in-law Betty McKeown, Vera McKeown, Nellie Davis, Yvonne Davis and Lily Hayter; her childrens’ father Gary McKeown; and by her parents Andrew and Mary Rafai.
Born in Témiscaming, Québec, Hilda was the first Canadian born to Slovak parents who immigrated to Canada in 1935 from the former Czechoslovakia. Hilda spoke often of a happy childhood with her much adored parents and her precious sisters Anne and Irene. She thoroughly enjoyed skiing, baseball, camping and canoeing. She worked as a lifeguard, sang in the choir, was a member of the Canadian Girls in Training, and was thrilled that her school dance troupe won the square dance championships. Hilda was a talented pianist and continued to enjoy playing throughout her life.
After graduating with honours from high school, Hilda moved to Ottawa, Ontario to study at the Ottawa Civic Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1958 as a Registered Nurse. Hilda continued her career as a nurse at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, including work in Adult Orthopaedics, High Risk Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Neonatal Intensive Care, and was an active member of the Ontario Nurses Union. It was especially her work with children and their families at the Rich Little Special Care Nursery that captured her heart.
Upon moving to Newfoundland in 1966, Hilda began working at the Janeway Children’s Hospital on the Orthopedic Unit, along with ICU nursing for a period of time. She was instrumental in establishing Infection Control policies & procedures for the hospital, becoming the first Pediatric Infection Control Nurse for the province.
It was in Newfoundland that she gained the nickname “Heidi”, the name lovingly used by her second husband Bert, as well as by friends and family ever since.
Heidi returned to school at Memorial University in 1987, completing her specialization in Psychiatric Nursing. She finished her long and devoted career as the Divisional Manager of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Janeway.
Even though Heidi retired in 2002, nursing and caring for others was her calling – defining everything she did throughout her entire life. She was always cheerful, selfless, thoughtful and generous beyond measure. Her kindness, love and devotion touched many lives.
Heidi’s family extend much thanks to the staff at Tiffany Village for all their care and support during this last chapter of her life.
Visitation will be held at Barrett’s Funeral Home, 328 Hamilton Avenue, on Friday, December 30, 2022 from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm. A Celebration of Heidi’s Life will follow at 2:00 pm at Barrett’s Chapel for family and friends. The service will be live-streamed, and you are most welcome to join us virtually via the link on Barrett’s main webpage.
In remembrance of Heidi, memorial donations to the Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation would be sincerely appreciated. Please share your memories in Barrett’s memorial guest book.
2022
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Hilda Heidi McKeown Davis 2022 et espérons que leur souvenir pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.
Décès pour la Ville: St-John’s, Province: T-N