DR. MARIA JULIA DAVI

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DR. MARIA JULIA DAVI

May 10, 1944 – March 24, 2025

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Maria (Who went by Julia, in Spanish) at the age of 80. She died peacefully at the Victoria Hospital after a brief illness.

Maria leaves to mourn, her son Danny Betancourt; her sister Elsa Strelkov; her nephews in Edmonton, Oscar (Erin) Strelkov, Stephen (Ileana) Strelkov and her niece in Winnipeg, Valerie (Mark) Shupak; their respective children Benjamin, Sabrina, Isabella, Julian and Evan; Alice (Neil); family in Alberta, BC, and Argentina; and many dear friends. A special thanks to Maria's best friend, Linda Kavanagh and husband Dr Ishmail Mohammad for all their support and help.

Maria was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina where both of her parents were teachers at federal schools. It was the beginning of a turbulent time for Argentina, a time when dictator Peron and wife Evita - the ones from the musical - were in power and, through the years, numerous military coups and dictatorships followed. In 1964, the family moved to Uruguay for a time, where Maria studied medicine in Montevideo. Maria moved to Hershey, Pennsylvania in the US to complete her residency, specializing in neonatology, which was new at the time, and she became a true pioneer in the field. Eventually, Maria established herself in Winnipeg where she enjoyed a long, rewarding career at St. Boniface Hospital, helping countless newborn infants and their families, until her retirement. Anybody who knew Maria loved her. She was open, caring and compassionate. She could be called any time, night or day, and she would respond with a smile on her face. She was supportive of the parents of the babies that she cared for, and always supportive of the staff. It was at the St. Boniface where she met Cecilia ('Cis") Massey, her closest friend and companion for the next 30 years.

In her private life, Maria was adventurous! After retirement, Maria, Cis and their pets travelled extensively, visiting many places in Canada, the US, and Mexico. They became especially enamored with Cuba, making several visits. Maria also travelled to Europe with her sister, Elsa. Cis died in 2015 which caused Maria enduring grief. Maria was also predeceased by her father who died in Argentina and her mother, who died in Winnipeg, in 1997.

Maria was sensitive, intelligent, scientifically minded, very generous, and an excellent listener. She loved nature, animals, social justice and supported all related causes. We will miss her dearly- her advice, sense of humour, and interesting conversations.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the causes she loved. A family celebration of life is planned for a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 21, 2025