Lucy Louise Davis, formerly Lucy Valente, died on May 9 from complications of COVID-19, surrounded by brave and loving health care professionals. She was 95.

Lucy was born on Dec. 27, 1924, the only daughter of Italian immigrants George and Caroline Valente, who through hard work and perseverance rose to the middle class. Following their example, Lucy excelled in her studies and graduated with honors from Malden Catholic High School.

As a freshman at Lowell Teacher’s College, she was introduced to her future husband, John F. (Jack) Davis, by her brother Gilbert, better known for introducing baseball great Babe Ruth to the majors.

World War II interrupted the couple’s romance when Jack left to fight in the Pacific for the U.S. Navy. They kept up with a passionate letter writing campaign. Lucy’s traditional father was intent on preserving his daughter’s reputation, so Jack sent innocuous letters to her parents’ house, and saved his more romantic missives for her college address.

Lucy graduated as valedictorian from Lowell Teacher’s College and Jack returned home from the war just days before her college prom. They married and Lucy became a school teacher. Jack opened Jack Davis Florist and Lucy signed on as store manager. The couple gave birth to two daughters, Carolyn and Kathryn.

In 1965 the pair discovered the charms of Martha’s Vineyard and returned every summer thereafter. They soon bought an old sea captain’s house in Vineyard Haven and later built a new home in Oak Bluffs. Upon retirement they sold their home in Jamaica Plain and moved to the Island full time.

Lucy especially loved the bucolic views from Middle Road and beautiful sunsets in Menemsha. A “wicked” Scrabble player, Lucy could easily defeat her daughters into her 90s, It wasn’t until her granddaughter Michelle arrived that she finally met her match.

Lucy’s lifelong love, Jack, died two years ago after 69 years of wedded bliss. She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Donations can be made to Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, 111 Edgartown Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

Funeral services will be held for immediate family only.