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Mrs. Davis – oh where to begin.. Rather than focus on the negative, I’d like to remember the beautiful times everyone had in your class throughout high school. You were easily one of the most beloved teachers to have taught at Riviera. There is no amount of words available to describe how much care and devotion you gave to your students. You truly gave teaching your all; and it was not merely a job for you, it was a passion. Something I will always admire is how you could be blunt with a student, yet never disrespectful or aggressive. You knew how to make people actually want to come to class prepared and ready to learn. Most of all, you brought light to people during the darkest days and times. You would make sure every student was doing alright at home and in school; never leaving a student behind if they were struggling. I will always cherish the memories made in your classes, as well as everything you taught me. I genuinely left your class a better person everyday; not something I can say for every class I’ve taken. There truly is nothing that can be said to capture how much people love and appreciate you, and I hope you know that. God Bless you. — Jack Cuddihy, Riviera Class of 2016 (aka “jackypoo” as you occasionally called me)

I just remembered a time at one of the High School dances at Riviera! It was one of the first dances, when they were still in the gym! Mrs. Davis was dancing to the song “Thriller” in the middle of the dance circle! Then she was dancing to lots of other music that got a little bit more “funky”. There was Mrs. Davis, dancing with all of us while just as elegant as ever in her dress and pearl necklace! Mrs. Davis, you really are the epitome of elegance with just the right touch of sassiness! Love you a lot! (Victoria Smith, Riviera)

Thank you for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support. We’re so grateful. We now have an abundance of beautiful flowers. Thank you so much, they fill the space with peace and beauty; at this time, however, we request no more flowers, as we just don’t have the space for more. (Links Rule: S; S, ca, …) If you feel you’d like to honor Francine with a gift, please make a donation to a reputable cancer research institute or a literary nonprofit. And/or if you want to send a gift to the Davis home, fresh healthy meals (or meal gift cards) are gladly appreciated at this time.

Mrs Davis- I loved you for being so supportive of my son Westley. He adores you! You were always his biggest fan whenever he was on stage in the musicals… we often sat together to watch him! I am so happy you have your loving family there to celebrate your life with you and let you know how loved you are. You are very much in our thoughts.

Hi Mrs. Davis, I just wanted to let you know how thankful I am to have had you as my teacher for two years. Before having you as my teacher, English had been one of my most dreaded classes. You changed that and made me excited to show up to your class everyday. I remember having your class as my first period and it was a great way to start the day. Your smile and positive energy brightened up the room and made it an amazing learning environment. I really appreciated the time you took to truly get to know me as your student, it is something that not many teachers have done. Both my sister and I agree that you were one of our most impactful teachers and your teaching abilities helped carry us through to college. Thank you for everything you have done! Love, Helena Roth Riviera Class of 2016

Dear Fran – You always started your emails to me with “Dear Arlene” and I was always amazed by that because it was just a typical Fran gesture. All heart, even in daily emails. What followed was usually you reaching out about a student who we shared and cared about and were just trying to give him or her one more chance with some assignment, even though it went beyond the norms of second and third and even fourth chances. For the students who have known you, they know what I’m talking about. For the students who sadly will never have you, we as teachers can only try to emulate not only your incredible gifts as a teacher, but most importantly, your compassion and incredible heart. How many times did you go above and beyond to help your struggling students, sacrificing any free time during the day and/or after school, just to help them keep up? Not only did you inspire all of your students, but you also set aside a special time and place for those students who needed that extra “Ms. Davis time” whether extra seconds, minutes, or hours – anything to help them feel engaged, interested, and most importantly, loved. I will miss you and our conversations terribly, especially your sense of humor and passionate rants in the faculty lounge. Love you very much Fran.

I was lucky enough to have Ms. Finkel in 10th grade English in 1982. It has been a long time and I haven’t seen her in 35 years but I will never forget the great teacher. We were BOTH so young . You were always trying new things; you were the very first person I ever saw use a dry eraser board. Yes to age myself, we still used blackboards! I saw the post on Facebook and wanted to thank you. You probably don’t remember me, I was just one of the thousands of students lucky enough to have you but I will always remember you. You made a difference!

Hi Mrs. Davis, thank you for being the best English teacher I have ever had. I was so lucky to have you as a professor. You taught me so much during my years at Riviera even more then you know. Thank you for always putting a smile on my face every day. I will never forget your upbeat positivity, energy, and attitude! You will never be forgotten. Love, Gabriela Groso ❤️

Ms. Davis , Thanks for the salad buffet conversations you had with me they really meant a lot. I agree that Pasadena is beautiful place and I’m happy you convinced to go visit the college there it really made a difference.

Dear Mrs. Davis, We love you and thank you for being such a great teacher and inspiration to Victoria. She would often come home and tell us of the extra time that you would give her outside of class, and how you always helped her. Your legacy will always continue on in the lives of everyone you have touched. Thank you! Love, Leyda and Robert Smith