Davida Elizabeth Ingram Symonds, BHS 1937

Davida Elizabeth Ingram Symonds, BHS 1937

September 27, 1920 - May 28, 2021 

Davida Elizabeth Symonds died on Friday, May 28, 2021, after more than 100 years of a well lived life. She was born in Wellington, Texas on September 27, 1920. She moved, as a young child, with her mother and father, Werta and John Ingram, and her two older brothers, Frank and John to Burbank, California. 

She attended and graduated in 1937 from Burbank High School and went on to study at Glendale Community College and graduated with a A. A. Degree in 1939.She began working at a local bank where she met the love of her life, Robert Gregg Symonds and they were married on August 31, 1941. In 1943, their first daughter was born. After her husband returned from the Pacific, they had another daughter and a son. They established their new home in the San Fernando Valley where they lived for over 40 years, then moved to Agoura, and then, in 2012, they made one last move to Pasadena, CA.

After the end of World War II, Davida continued her education at L.A. Trade Technical Junior College, Pierce Junior College and Loyola University, where she was trained in engineering math. In 1951 she was employed by Hughes Aircraft, beginning as a draftsman, then left Hughes and was employed by Radioplane Company and then The Steven's Company. She worked as a design engineer in the research and development of missiles and production of drones, so she was truly a woman before her time. 

In 1962, she decided to change direction and further her education; when she enrolled at Cal State Northridge. She graduated in 1966 with a BA in Art. She began to use her new skills in furniture design and production, weaving, jewelry, pottery and produced many items that still grace a number of homes today. 

After their children moved on in their lives, Davida and Gregg began to travel throughout the world. They used all modes of travel, their personal plane, commercial aircraft and probably their most favorite traveling was done in one of many motor homes, visiting family and friends throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada. After retiring from working and finished up with her formal education, she took on another field of interest; Genealogy. She has done an in-depth study of both the Ingram and Symonds families and has research ancestors and linked them to the early colonization of America. During their travels and to document her research, Davida and Gregg visited historical societies, museums, various cemeteries and distant relatives in the USA, England, Ireland and Scotland. In pursuing her interest, she was invited to join the Board of the New England Genealogical Society which she enjoyed very much. 

Davida will be remembered for her smart wit, curiosity, tenacity, and love of family. She was predeceased by her husband, Gregg, who died in 2012. She is survived by her two daughters, Marilyn Dee Buchanan (Gene), Carole Louise Daly (Jim) and a son, David Allen Symonds, ten grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. A private memorial service as held for close family members on July 3, 2021. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Sep. 26, 2021.