Mary Pietsch Davis

Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Pietsch Davis, who died on June 28, 2026.

Born on March 5, 1935, Mary lived a life rich in accomplishment, engagement, and love. She will be remembered for her signature vigor, enthusiasm for life and endless curiosity for what lay off the beaten path, literally. She was famous for veering off while driving to go down a new road, explore an unknown neighborhood, or check out an interesting building.

Delight came easily to Mary.  She often would stop suddenly and exclaim about whatever had caught her eye:  a hummingbird visiting the red salvia in her garden, an interesting cloud  or a quail family tittering along the patio wall. At Christmas, she delighted in decorating the house and baking Lebkuchen, the family Christmas cookie that is impossible to stop eating. On Christmas Eve, she loved lighting candles on the tree, just as her mother had. She was thrilled when the movie "That's Entertainment" came out so she could share her love for the 1930's MGM musicals with her kids.

Mary valued generosity. She was a thoughtful gift giver and a regular donor to multiple non profits. She shared the gift of her knowledge about historic Albuquerque and Corrales, often and with enthusiasm. She was easy to give gifts to because she was herself a collector, of snow globes, pressed Mexican tin, miniature villages, garden art, to name a few.

But Mary was more than delight and generosity. She laughed wholeheartedly and often. She had a passion for debate and would often voice her righteous indignation in the face of human depravity. She was bright, hardworking, and surprisingly unsure of herself, given her many strengths. She could be quick to judge, and also enthusiastically for you.

Mary's curiosity about the past found a natural home in her professional life. She served for many years as the historic preservation planner with the City of Albuquerque, and played a key role in preserving historic buildings like the Kimo Theater. As a city planner, she contributed to the book "Historic Albuquerque Today" and wrote several articles on the history of Albuquerque's older neighborhoods. She  also coauthored "Shining River Precious Land", an oral history of Albuquerque's north valley.  Once retired, she brought her energy and enthusiasm for local history to the Corrales Historical Society. She published two books about Corrales history and wrote several articles for The Corrales Comment. In 2022 she was proclaimed the official historian of Corrales.

Mary brought to both her personal and professional life a belief in and a strong capacity for collaboration. She, with other new parents, helped start the Albuquerque Preschool Cooperative. With two other movie lovers, she started a film society that brought old movies to the Guild Theater, including her favorite, "The Seven Samurai."   Her published writing about the North Valley and Corrales came out of hours of interviews with long time residents of the middle Rio Grande valley. She and Paul, her husband of nearly 70 years, literally built a home together, a collaboration that lasted for the majority of their marriage.

For one of her many art projects, Mary created a tile mosaic that read, "What I love is close at hand." She could love fiercely at times, but mostly it was with her whole heart, in the delight that caught her often all of a sudden, in the respect and affection for her family, friends and pets, and in her commitment to her work and her community.

Mary is survived by her husband Paul Davis; their three children, Ben, Kate and Joshua and their respective spouses; four grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Gallery

Memory wall

August 8, 2026

I used to babysit the three Davis children and the two Howarth children (Sam and Rachel) for an entire weekend for $25. This was probably in 1967 or 68. I got a big kick out of driving the VW bus, and they had the first king-size bed I had ever seen. My mother was Jessie Morris which was how I knew the family. I would also see them at the slwimming pool in the summer. Good times!!

A wonderful woman and a beautiful family. You have my deepest condolences.

Nancy (Krepps) Campbell

Nancy Campbell

August 7, 2026

I first met Mary when we collaborated on the slide show prepared for the Corrales Historical Society's 50th Anniversary celebration. I was tasked with compiling photographs spanning that 50-year period which would tell the story of the Society from its founding to current times. I really didn't know where to start until someone wisely told me "go see Mary." She was a delight to work with on this project, insisting that every person in the photos be individually identified. It certainly helped that Mary knew when each photo was taken and who these people were! Such a genuine and fun person to know. I will miss her.

Dean Sherer

August 7, 2026

My wife and I first met Mary and Paul in the early 1990's when we first volunteered at Old Church's Mud Day. In those days, the volunteers did the mud plaster work and Mary was in the middle of that activity. She got dirty just like the rest of us. We later joined a movie discussion group that Mary and Paul were an integral part of. I have very fond memories of my interaction with Mary. You always knew where she stood on the issues of the time. She will be missed.

Ben Blackwell

August 7, 2026

I had the privilege and delight of working with Mary while she was the Historic Preservation Officer for the City of Albuquerque. Before I began a planning project in any part of town, I always conferred with Mary. We pored over her files and then took to the field for crazy adventures together. One time, while driving on a ditch road west of Rio Grande Boulevard, we were surrounded by a pack of wild dogs. Mary was nonplussed and said... just back out. And we did just that with the unreliable City car for 1/4 mile.
Her home was like a fairyland at Christmas. I loved her angel collection and twinkle lights and special desserts.
We were able to stay in contact for many years after she retired and often met downtown for lunch and later at Flying Star on Rio Grande Boulevard.
I treasure having known her.

Paula Donahue

August 7, 2026

Mary was my role model. I enjoyed sharing information on the North Valley with her and laughing at stories. Her book on the North Valley is a treasure and should be reprinted. She and I had lunch earlier this year and had a wonderful time. May she rest in peace.
Sadly,
Francelle Alexander

Francelle E Alexander

August 5, 2026

A lovely obituary that cancels Mary stunning personality, laugh, and engagement.

Love and condolences to all Davises.

David Jones

August 3, 2026

My mom loved animals, and I attribute my deep love for dogs to her insistence that we were a family with pets. Here are a few photos of furry members of the family. Lupe is the dog in the bowl. Gypsy sits next to mom at Christmas, and that's Lucy on her lap.

Kate Davis

August 2, 2026

My mom was one of my role models. She instilled in me a sense of curiosity and adventure. I loved her very much and will miss her hugs and her joyous laughter.

Josh Davis

Family tree

Wallace Hart Pietsch 

Elizabeth Gatewood Pietsch

Paul B Davis

Sarah Fermi

Eliza Chugg

Joshua Hart Davis 

Catherine "Kate" Davis

Benjamin Gatewood Davis 

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Sarah Fermi

Eliza Chugg

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Paul B Davis

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Joshua Hart Davis 

Catherine "Kate" Davis

Benjamin Gatewood Davis 

Mary Davis

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