Beloved teacher at McGlynn Middle School dies
McGlynn teacher Maria Lisa Davis passed away Thursday.
By Travis Andersen
Globe Correspondent
Maria Lisa Davis, a math teacher at McGlynn Middle School, died after an apparent heart attack Thursday morning in her classroom. She was 56.
When Davis began showing signs of trouble, students in her room alerted the teacher next door, and the staff immediately called 911, said assistant principal Ronald Scala.
She was taken to Mass General Hospital and pronounced dead shortly after 9:30 a.m., according to a hospital spokesperson.
Davis taught math at the school for seven years, after coming from the Medford Vocational Technical High School. Her daughter Arianna is a sixth-grader at McGlynn.
"She was an excellent teacher," Scala said.
Grief counselors are currently onsite at the school. Scala said that while a few students have had trouble coping, most of them are doing well in the aftermath.
"These kids are very resilient," he said.
Madelyn Wenham, a science teacher at McGlynn, accompanied Davis to the hospital and informed the school of her death. She worked closely with Davis on the same teaching team.
"She was very enthusiastic and hardworking," Wenham said. "She gave up many lunch periods to work with students."
She also worked diligently with other teachers, often helping them with computer problems.
"Losing her is just a deep shock," Wenham said.
Arianna is currently staying with her aunt, Alida Sheridan of North Andover, and other relatives. Sheridan, 45, said her older sister always worked to help others.
"I can tell you that she had a huge heart," she said.
Davis, the fifth of 11 siblings, was born into a military family in 1952. After stops in Germany and Japan, the family settled in Laconia, N.H., when Davis was 15.
She received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of New Hampshire in 1975, as well as a master's degree in organizational management from Endicott College in 2004.
A career educator, Davis also taught at the Minuteman Career & Technical High School in Lexington.
She ran a tutorial for McGlynn students taking the MCAS, a state achievement test, as well as an annual Memorial Day event for the children. She also taught computer classes in the summer for students learning English, and she hosted a foster child for a time last year.
In a statement posted to the Medford schools website, Superintendent Roy Belson called Davis a "wonderful grade 6 math teacher" who will be missed by the entire district.
Dozens of students have posted tributes to Davis on Inside Medford, a popular neighborhood blog.
"[You] were the best math teacher I ever had," a commenter identified as Dominique Savoia wrote. "[I] love you very much. [I] will always miss you."
Besides Arianna and Sheridan, Davis leaves her mother, Maria Lidia Davis, 83, and nine surviving siblings.
A wake is scheduled for Monday at the Gaffey Funeral Home on 43 High St., with visiting hours from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral service is planned for Tuesday morning at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 441 Fellsway West.
Davis will be buried in a family plot at the Bayside Cemetery in Laconia, N.H. A date has not been scheduled.
Davis's family will launch an educational fund for her daughter Arianna. Sheridan can be reached at jaba@comcast.net.
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our prayers and thoughts are w/ the davis family
Was there an AED in the school? If not, why not? Regular training of CPR to students and staff?
God bless and rest peacefully, Ms. McGlynn.
Mrs. Davis was my sixth grade math teacher four years ago. She was absoltuely fantastic; she was always there for everyone, even when you needed someone to talk to at any time of the day. She had a huge impact on my life, and I will never forget her. I pray her daughter will get through this difficult time OK. My condolences to her and the rest of her family. Mrs. Davis will be missed by all.
Ms. Davis was a fabulous math teacher. Students loved her and parents were impressed with her skills and feed back. No student ever fell behind because she was always there to make sure they got the topic. She was a devoted mother and often brought Arianna to school when she was on a school holiday. She was an inspiration to all and will be sorely missed by the school system. May she rest in peace and may God watch over her daughter and family as they struggle through this difficult time.
Her great legacy of hard work, compassion and dedication to others will live on in her students and with the McGlynn School staff. Our prays, thoughts and support will always be with Arianna, her daughter.
What a terrible loss. She touched so many lives and made them better. We will keep an eye out for that educational fund's address.
What a loss - from what I've read of students and families close to Mrs. Davis, she was an incredible teacher and an inspriration to all students with a thirst for knowledge. May she rest in peace knowing that all she's done has been of so much benefit. Scores of her students will be upstanding citizens because of her dedication and love. God Bless Her, and keep her. And may her students excell even further on her behalf. I challenge each and every one of them to get doctorates from college. Do it in HER name... and know that you've paid proper tribute.
Mrs. Davis - thank you for the life you lived. We, the survivors, appreciate your amazing contribution.
May god bless her. st francis, please be with our sister,
Malisa has been a dear friend for twenty years. She is one of the sweetest, most compassionate people I have ever known. The people in her life were everything to her. Her family, friends and students were always top priority, and she gave to all with an open heart. Her warmth will be missed by all who have been fortunate enough to know her.
Our hearts and prayers are with Arianna and Maria Lisa's family.
Ms Davis was not only my teacher at Minuteman voc many years ago,and an inspiration to me as a young woman,but a freind, a role model a big sister,her laugh was contagous her sense of humer brilliant and her honesty wonderful.
she also attended my wedding and was very dear to me, we lost touch,until now as I hear of this devastating news. My heart goes out to her daughter and her whole family, I am truly sorry for your loss, may you find warmth and peace in your memories of such a remarkable woman.
The Medford public schools just got a "Physical Education Grant" in the amount of $900,000.....a portion of that money should be used to CPR certify all the current school employees and towards the purchase of a defibrullator. CPR certification should be an absolute reqirement for all school employees from the superintendant to the cafateria-workers. Each school should have and know how to use a defibrillator. Restruants, spas and movie theaters have defibrillators, it is outrageous that our schools don't.
We in Vermont are so sorry for the loss of a wonderful educator, person, friend, sister, daughter and mother our prayers are with you Kim and Brian and for all of your family, especially for Arianna. Our deepest sympathy The Hee Family x0x0x0
I am a student in the Medford Public Schools system and have been my whole life, and I distinctly remember seeing defibs at every school I've attended (Brooks Elementary, McGlynn Middle, and Medford High). People need to accept that this was not a tragedy due to human error or incapablity, it was something that was inevitable, and all we can do at this point is hold on to the many wonderful memories Ms. Davis has left us with.
It is with extreme sadness AND SHOCK.
She will be in God's kingdom.
The world just lost one of its biggest hearts. Maria Lisa's laughter was remarkable--she would see the brightest side of everything. Her daughter Arianna was the the light of of her life. We will all watch over her. Medford turned out for Maria Lisa - I was impressed by the lives she touched. I did not know how big her life was. I will miss my sister -- brother Philip.
Kim and Brian: We, your neighbors and friends in Vermont, are truly saddened for the sudden loss of your dear, wonderful sister. Our prayers are with you, your niece Arianna, and everyone else in your family. We are truly sorry and want you to know we truly care. As always, we are available to help with anything you might need.
Rosario and family
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