Several hundred family members, co-workers from the North Kingstown schools, and friends crowded into the North Kingstown United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 23, to celebrate the life of Mala Davis who passed away suddenly last Tuesday. She was 51.

The large turnout was testimony to the many lives touched by the Fishing Cove School librarian, Sunday School teacher, wife and mother of two. Despite additional seating set up in the sanctuary, choir loft, music room and corridor outside the sanctuary, it was standing room only for the remaining who came to honor Mala. Long time church members could remember few occasions in the history of the church when so many gathered in this place to worship or celebrate a life. 

In her meditation, The Rev. Beverly Stenmark recalled the shock and sadness that all felt when Mala died suddenly, but tempered the grief with a call to share stories and celebrate the life that Mala led and loved—her love of family, reading, and teaching young people to appreciate books and Christ in public and church school classrooms. The pastor recalled how Mala loved to plant flowers and how organized she was in the process.

The crowd of mourners heard comforting words from Romans, the Gospel of John and the 23rd Psalm.

During a time to share memories, Mala’s mother recalled with deep emotion how she cannot be angry with God over her loss because having Mala as a daughter was a “gift from God.” A sister spoke of humorous and poignant moments the two girls shared growing up, and a father talked of the pain of his loss and how much she will be missed. Another friend mentioned how she baked the best cookies. With tears in her eyes, Wendy Halstead, who shared teaching a Sunday School classroom with Mala, expressed her sorrow and memories of Mala.

In the closing hymn, Hymn of Promise, voices joined to sing the words, “In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.”

After the service, friends waited in a long line to offer husband Matt remembrances of his wife. Matt stood strongly and thanked each person, his face alternating between tears and smiles as he acknowledged their heartfelt sympathy.

During a two-hour reception of life, those who gathered shared more memories with the family and a bounty of food that was contributed by so many helping angels from her school and church.

In the Narthex, outside the sanctuary, there were many displays of precious photos, moments of a life celebrated by memories etched forever in time.

The Bible tells us there is a season for all things. And we must remember that God is already at work to heal the pain of Mala’s loss and change our sorrow to smiles and happy memories of a life shared and celebrated. He will surely wrap His arms around the family and give Matt and his two sons, Alex and Chris, the strength to carry on, just as Mala would want them to do.

Memorial Service, Saturday, February 23, at 11 AM at North Kingstown UMC, 450 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown, RI -- Two hour collation will follow the service. Directions to church  More links at bottom of this page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the North Kingstown School Department, Business Office, attn: The Mala Davis Library Fund, 100 Fairway Drive, North Kingstown, RI, 02852. Contributions should be made to the North Kingstown School Department.

It is with great sadness, we report an unexpected death in our church family. Mala Davis, a long time and active member of our church, died this morning, Tuesday February 19th.  Mala passed into God’s Heavenly Kingdom suddenly and very unexpectedly.  Our hearts and our prayers go out to Mala’s family and we ask for your continuing prayers. Pastor Beverly has been with the family much of today. As you can imagine, they are in great shock and filled with sadness. 

Mala Davis has been a devoted second and third grade Sunday School teacher for many years.  She was a librarian at Fishing Cove Elementary School. She has two sons, Alex (a high school freshman) and Chris (a high school senior) and her husband Matt. Cards and condolences may be sent to Matt and the family at 193 Woodridge Drive, Saunderstown, RI 02874.

A service commemorating Mala’s life will be held at North Kingstown United Methodist Church, 450 Boston Neck Road, on Saturday, February 23, at 11:00 AM, followed by calling hours for 2 hours afterwards so that friends may can talk and offer their support to the family. A reception will be held during the calling hours.   

May our Lord wrap His arms around Mala's family and all her friends who grieve.

Mala Davis touched many lives

Updated Feb 20-21, 2008

In the days following her death, it has become clear how many lives Mala has touched. There has been an outpouring of love from her many friends at her church and the North Kingstown school community where she worked. In the past two days, this website has been visited by hundreds more people than usual as her friends reached out to learn of the memorial service planned for Saturday. Friends, school employees and husband Matt's co-workers have messaged and called with generous and loving donations of food for the Saturday collation. A young girl from our church emailed us and said she wanted to send "my own condolences to the Davis family, but wasn't sure if it was okay to call. I got your email address from the church website. I know my family is sending a card, but I wanted to know if you would see them  anytime soon? If you do see them, would you please tell them, especially Chris and Alex, that I care?"

Chris, Alex and Matt, please know that many others care too and are keeping you in their prayers. Mala and her family are certainly loved by many and blessed with many friends.