Sylvia Nemer Davidson, z”l, civic leader and hostess extraordinaire, died Feb. 22, 2023, in Portland at the age of 100.  She is survived by her two sons, Jerry Nemer and Philip Nemer (David), of Portland; and by six stepchildren.

There will be a graveside service at 2 pm, Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, at Beth Israel Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, C. Girard Davidson, who died in 1996. Her first husband, Norman Nemer, died in 1964.

She was born in Portland April 14, 1922, to Marie (Murph) and Joe Schnitzer.

Davidson attended Stanford University and graduated from Reed College in 1947. She served as a WAVE in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Her commitment to and leadership of numerous causes have been recognized by the community and by her associates. She was honored by the Oregon Jewish Welfare Fund, the Harry S. Truman Freedom Bell Award, the Forrest E. Rieke Achievement Award in Community Health Planning and by the March of Dimes Community Service Award.

Ms. Davidson served on the Multnomah County Planning Commission, the Multnomah County Home Rule Charter Commission, the City of Portland-Multnomah County Consolidation Commission, the Metropolitan Arts Commission and the Portland State University Goals Commission.

For more than 20 years she committed herself to the critical issues of health care. She served as an active member and as chairwoman of two Oregon State Health Commissions. She was President of the Northwest Oregon Health System Agency from 1980 to 1987. She was active in the National Health Planning and Development Commission, American Health Planning Association, Oregon Legislative Committee on Health Cost Containment, the Oregon Legislative Committee on the Medically Needy, the Oregon Health Council, and Oregon Health Decisions. In 1976 she authored the publication Alternatives in Nursing Home Care.

She also served on the Board of Directors and as Chairwoman of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Oregon Symphony Association and the Oregon World Affairs Council.

Long active in Democratic Party politics, Davidson served as Chairwoman of the Oregon Adlai Stevenson for President Campaign, Co-Chairwoman of the Oregon Frank Church for President Campaign and as Alternate Delegate to the Democratic National Conventions of 1946, 1960 and 1968. She was Coordinator for the John F. Kennedy Presidential Campaign Primary. Remembrances may be sent to Planned Parenthood or to your favorite charity.