Joan Marie Ashcraft Davis, mother of five-time Olympic medalist Josh Davis, passed away last night.
Josh, a beloved swimmer and swimming clinician, travels the country widely sharing his wisdom on the sport. An important part of Josh’s message has always included swim-moms, and his mother specifically.
“I’ve spent the last seven years,” Josh shared by phone, “traveling to five hundred cities telling young swimmers the same thing: to work on their swimming technique and to know that you are loved. I end all my clinics explaining the importance of technique and the power of unconditional love. That’s why swim moms are so important. That fuel us with their love.”
Josh hosts an annual event in San Antonio, his hometown, The Fastest Man in Texas, in honor of swim-moms. This year, this December, it will honor his mother, who had been battling cancer for two years.
“It’s the best swimmers in America racing for one cause,” Josh explained. “The event benefits the Swim4Foundation, and has been supported by my Olympic friends, Brendan Hansen, Aaron Peirsol, David Walters, Garrett Weber-Gale and Ian Crocker to name a few.”
Josh, one of the most exuberant athletes you’ll ever meet, is not today. Hearing him mourn isn’t easy. Many swimming friends have emailed or called asking about him and his mother.
Joan Davis died from lung cancer that spread to the spine and brain.
The Davis family is grateful to those who helped care for Joan: CHRISTUS Cabrini Cancer Center of Alexandria, LA, Cancer Therapy and Research Center, CHRISTUS Hospice, Caring Companions, Universal Nursing Services, and many generous relatives and friends.
MEMORIAL MASS OF THE RESURRECTION
MONDAY
JULY 16, 2012
11:00 A.M.
ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH
1602 THOUSAND OAKS DRIVE
San Antonio, Texas
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio, 106 Auditorium Circle, Suite #115 San Antonio, TX 78205.
