Sullivan, Maine — Ginia Davis Wexler was born and raised in Philadelphia. She died on June 7, 2017, at the age of 99. She was the oldest of five children born to Hilda and Meyer Davis. Her father, Meyer, was the famous society orchestra conductor, and her mother was a pianist and composer. Ginia’s uncle, the conductor Pierre Monteux, was married to her mother’s sister. Her family received numerous visiting actors and musicians in their home and Ginia grew up surrounded by music of all kinds. In 1968 she married Morris M. Wexler, who died in 1993. She is survived by her stepson, Lewis Wexler, who lives in Philadelphia, and niece, Mavis Melissa Davis, who lives in Maine, as well as other relatives.
She wrote that she wants to be remembered “as an artist and a presenter of artists to children and adults. She was a communicator and a concerned human being towards all the problems of humanity. She believed in one world, no war; peace among all peoples.”
Ginia was once asked, “What gives your life its purpose and meaning?” She responded, “The beauty in music, art, nature. The kindness of people. The joy in having a pet. The smiles and joy of children. The possibility of peace in this beautiful world we inhabit. All mankind living in peace.”
Her career as a singer embraced opera, recital, orchestra appearances, theatre and folk music. Some of her performances have been with the Royal Belgian Opera in Brussels, the Pittsburgh and London Symphonies, “Call Me Mister” on Broadway and many New York recitals.
Ginia traveled around the world and collected songs in many lands. She sang in 22 languages. She performed for children as an ambassador for the U.S. Information Service under its Cultural Exchange Program, in India, Africa, Europe and elsewhere, as well as for the Armed Forces.
Ginia’s maternal family has roots in Bar Harbor, and she owns a farmstead in Sullivan. It was here every summer that she organized free performances for children in her own Barn Theatre, and hired various entertainers for the enjoyment of the children.
She was an original benefactor of The Grand Theater. She directed the Performing Arts for Children Series that took place at the Grand. She also sponsored scholarships for the arts for students at Sumner High School and Mountain View Middle School. She was a supporter and Board member of the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors and Orchestra Musicians in Hancock, Maine, as well as an active member of the Sullivan-Sorrento Historical Society.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 1 PM in the Pierre Monteux Forest Studio, 42 Melody Lane, in Hancock, Maine.
A private funeral will be held sometime this summer in Philadelphia at the Joseph Levine & Sons Memorial Chapel, Inc., 215/942-4700, Trevose, PA
If you would like to leave memories or supportive words to family members of Ginia, please go to: www.acadiacremation.com
5 Condolences
Ginia was a gracious and generous supporter of OperaMaine, the professional opera company that grew out of the Monteux Opera Festival, which Diane Kern and I founded at the summer conducting school in Hancock. Many times she invited members of our company to perform on her student series in Sullivan. I remember her with fondness and affection, and not without a twinkle in the eye, for she could be mischievously clever about the foibles of the people around her. God’s speed, Ginia, and thanks.
David Katz, founding artistic director
OperaMaine
http://www.museoffireplay,org
I did not know Ginia personally, but the summer series of programs she put on for children at her Farmstead Barn were a highlight of my childhood years in the mid 1980s. I will always remember the excitement of going to a show there – whether puppets, music, mimes or magic. Thank you, Ginia, for creating this special experience for Maine children.
Ginia Davis or Aunt Ginny was my mother, Marjorie’s older sister. She was a wonderful role model my entire life and the first person I ever heard use the word ‘organic’ when describing her vegetable garden in Maine. She was kind and generous and loved all children so much that she turned her barn into a concert/performance space for free events for the children of the community. My favorite memory is singing with her a duet that we used to do called ‘Billy Boy’ and she also accompanied us on her guitar. Of course I was scared to death at 9 years old to sing in front of hundreds of people but she told me to look at her and sing to her and I did and it was fine, memorable even. She came to visit me and stay with me when I lived in Washington DC and worked on the Hill. I will always think of her as an activist and community leader with compassion and strong opinions! I will miss her.
Ginia was a remarkable woman, full of joy, and love for the world that she sang out in her songs, in her work with children, and in the delightful spark she imbued into everyone she met. She was an outstanding world citizen! We are so pleased that she is in our film The World Is My Country. We sat with her and her brothers Emory and Garry and watched hours and hours of footage of their home movies as they grew up with their parents Meyer and Hilda. We had the opportunity to film their reactions and comments and tell the stories sparked by the memories. If the family wants to find a way to view this footage get in touch. Just email my full name at gmail or call 1 800 R Future.
I watched your youtube interview about your book Gates of Life. I’m sure Ginia was proud to have such an outstanding niece!
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