Obituary of Rose M. Gagoian Davis

Rose M. Gagoian Davis, 97, of Binghamton, passed away on February 7, 2023 at A.O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta with her children by her side. Rose battled Alzheimer's disease for 20 years. Rose was born in Binghamton, NY. on December 22, 1925, and married Hazen (Pete) Davis in Johnson City, NY. on February 28, 1950. Rose was a devoted daughter, wife and mother whose life revolved around family. She gave unconditional support to her parents, siblings, husband and children throughout her life. Rose enjoyed many activities, some of which included dancing, singing, swimming, bowling, cooking (especially Armenian), and shopping for bargains. Dancing was her passion when she was young, and she was known for her jitterbug skills in the Binghamton area. At the Johnson City Pavilion in the early 40's Rose and a young man were selected by band leader Harry James for a spotlight jitterbug encircled by hundreds of envious onlookers. Word of her skills spread, and talent scouts offered her a job dancing professionally in NYC, with the potential to dance in Hollywood movies. Scouts recorded Rose singing the tune "Star Eyes", which her children listened to many times until the demo disappeared on Crandall Street in the early 60's. Rose declined the NYC offer, stayed home, got married and raised a family. Hollywood's loss was her family's gain! Rose worked for several businesses in the Binghamton area over the years, including Avak's Tailoring on Main St., Bates Troy Laundry on Jarvis St., Endwell Bakery on Clinton Street and Wagner's Bakery on Seminary Ave. She especially enjoyed working at Wagner's where she served hundreds of people and knew most by their first names. Rose often treated family and friends to a proverbial "13th donut" at Wagner's. Rose attended Binghamton schools and was a lifelong Binghamton area resident until age 92 when she came to Oneonta for memory care at A.O. Fox Nursing Home. Rose was a very proud Armenian. At age 95, in the grip of Alzheimer's, Rose would often recite the colors of the Armenian flag in Armenian, and is remembered trying to teach Armenian to the workers and residents of the nursing home. Rose was predeceased by her parents, mother Sirvart (Florence) Ligickjian Gagoian Karibian; father Mardiros (Michael) Gagoian; step-father Avak Karibian; sister Louise Gagoian Cline; husband Hazen (Peter) Davis; daughter Patricia Davis; niece Deborah Cline Solak; mother-in-law Anna T. Davis; father-in-law Hazen D. Davis; brothers-in-law John (Jack) A. Cline III, Thad Ayer, and Albert Davis; sisters-in-law MaryJean Karibian, Gertrude Davis White, Shirley Davis Lyons, Elizabeth Davis Mangan, and Shannon Davis Smith. Rose is survived by her children Michael Davis (Margaret) and Tina Davis Root (Bill); "special" grandchildren Patrick Maguire (Beth), Emily Root Colomes (Tommy), David Root (Rose), and Adam Root (Melissa); "very special" great-grandchildren Keegan Maguire, Quinlan Maguire, and Julian Root; sister Virginia Karibian Ayer; brother Avak (Stanley) Karibian II; nieces Kathleen Cline Piza (Peter), and Daniele Ayer Basralian (Joseph); nephews John A. Cline IV (Janis), James Cline (Cassandra), Ara Ayer (Seda), Avak Karibian III (Nicole) and Raffi Karibian (Beth); caregiver and friend Olga Escanilla. Interment will be at the family's convenience. A memorial service is not planned at this time. Rose's family sincerely thanks A.O. Fox Nursing Home, and especially the staff on unit 2 who took care of Rose for more than 5 years. With her Armenian heritage in mind, donations may be made in Rose's name to Saint Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, 12 Corbett Avenue, Binghamton, NY. 13903.