MICHELE ANN DAVIS

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Michele Ann Davis, who passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, at the age of 75, surrounded by those she loved.

Born on July 8, 1951, in Fort Worth, Texas, Michele was the daughter of Burton and Peggy Davis and the middle of three sisters, with her older sister, Linda, and younger sister, Laurie. She graduated from Paschal High School in 1969, where she was a cheerleader, an active member of DOS, and was honored as Deep Purple’s Most Beautiful Senior Girl. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas, where she was a proud member of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority, and later completed UCLA’s Certification Program in Construction Management.

It was while living in Los Angeles that Michele met the love of her life, Tom Karagianakis. What began as a chance meeting became a beautiful partnership and together they eventually settled in New Jersey, where they welcomed their greatest joy, their son, Alex.

Although Michele enjoyed a career in real estate and construction management, those who knew her best knew that her true gift was creating beauty wherever she went. She had impeccable taste, endless creativity, and a remarkable ability to make a house feel like a home. Painting was one of her greatest passions, and she looked forward to her weekly art classes. She especially admired the works of Gustav Klimt and was often inspired by his use of color and brush stroke techniques in many of the pieces she created. Whether she was standing at an art easel, tending to her garden, painting, cooking, hiking or spending a day on the golf course, Michele found joy in life’s simple pleasures.

She was intelligent, strong, and fiercely determined, but it was her warmth and generosity that left the greatest impression. Michele had a way of making people feel welcomed, cared for, and seen. She gave freely of her time, her wisdom, and her heart.

Her commitment to serving others was evident throughout her life. She dedicated many years to Monmouth Medical Center and the Monmouth Medical Foundation Board, serving as Honorary Chair of the Women’s Council for the Leon Hess Cancer Center and helping lead numerous philanthropic efforts. She was also deeply involved with the Ranney School community, where she served as Parents’ Association President and formed lifelong friendships.

Michele’s life was marked by extraordinary strength and courage in her battle with cancer, which she faced with the same grace that defined her life. Even in illness, she remained a source of inspiration to those around her.

Above all else, Michele’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. The love she shared so effortlessly will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Michele is survived by her husband, Tom; her son, Alex; her stepson, Chris Karagianakis; her grandchildren, Maya and Max Karagianakis; her sisters, Linda Davis and Laurie Davis Goldstein; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives are forever richer because of her.

Though are hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that Michele’s strength, generosity, wisdom, and love will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Service at the Grave will be held at 10am Thursday, August 6, in the Beth-El Section of Greenwood Memorial Park, followed by a reception in Greenwood's Live Oak Room.