Jeanne Skidmore Davidson, age 81, died on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, at her home in Ketchum, Idaho.
She was born Aug. 19, 1926, in Chicago, Ill., the child of James Skidmore and Virginia Armstrong. Jeanne grew up in Highland Park, Ill., where she graduated from Principia Upper School in 1945 and from Northwestern University in 1949. She married Ralph Davidson of Los Angeles in Chicago.
Jeanne spent much of her life traveling. She worked for the Marshall Plan in Paris from 1949 to 1952. She then moved to Washington, D.C., where her son William "Will" A. Davidson was born. Her second son, R. Andrew "Andy" Davidson, was born in Los Angeles. The family then moved to Kusnacht, Switzerland; London, England; and Southport, Conn., where Jeanne worked as a computer consultant, a job that included creating a catalog of artworks owned by the state, and finally to Ketchum.
Jeanne was a natural student and enjoyed reading, languages, travel and art. She played tennis, skied and hiked. She particularly liked dogs of all breeds.
In Fairfield, Conn., Jeanne volunteered at homeless shelters. She supported community libraries wherever she lived, and her community service reflected her many interests and talents. She will be remembered for her love and enjoyment of family and friends, her curiosity and enthusiasm for the world around her. All who knew her were enriched by her remarkable courage and accomplishments. Her determination and refusal to accept any limitation enabled her to live a full and interesting life.
Survivors include her son William Davidson; grandsons John Davidson, Theodore Davidson and Gabriel Davidson; her sisters, Janet Skinner and Fredrica Read; daughter-in-law Karen Davidson; eight nieces and one nephew. Preceding her in death were her son R. Andrew Davidson and her parents, James and Virginia Skidmore
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Idaho Youth Ranch, Box 8538, Boise, ID 83707.
Arrangements are under the care of Wood River Chapel of Hailey.
