Janet M. Davidson, a lifelong resident of Anne Arundel County and a key staff executive for three Maryland Senate Presidents and a former Maryland Attorney General Steve Sachs, died August 18 at her Annapolis home. She was 88 years old.

Predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Richard J. (Dick) Davidson, who was president of both the Maryland and American Hospital Associations, and her son, Michael S. (Mike) Davidson, she is survived by her two sons, Rick Davidson (Tina) of Draper, Utah, and Andy Davidson (Margot) of Tualatin, Oregon, as well as her daughter-in-law Diane Brown of Ellicott City, MD. Janet was a very proud grandmother of seven: Justin, Fraser, Emily, Caroline, Mandy, Courtney, and Sarah. Her faithful canine companion, Lincoln, was never far from her side, providing comfort and companionship in her later years.

Her professional career was marked by 25 years as a perceptive influencer in the Maryland State House in Annapolis. "Her gift and the key to her long tenure there was that she not only understood the legislative process and the insider politics, she also had a keen sense of the human aspects of public service and how they influenced the decision making processes of our elected officials," her son, Andy, said.

Janet was chief administrative officer for U.S Congressman Steny Hoyer when he was Maryland Senate President from 1975-78. Hoyer is now the senior member of the Maryland Congressional Delegation and former U.S. House Majority Leader. She worked in a similar post for Melvin Steinberg who was later lieutenant governor under William Donald Schaefer, and finally for Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, the longest serving Senate President in the state's history.

A dedicated conservationist, she and Dick supported numerous organizations devoted to Chesapeake Bay protection. Janet's love for the bay was evident in every aspect of her life. She lived on the Little Magothy and found great joy in getting to know the ospreys that nested on her property and returned each spring. The Davidsons were also strong advocates for safe and accessible healthcare and endowed an annual award at the Anne Arundel Medical Center honoring nurses for exceptional patient and family-centered care.

"Mom was a passionate conversationist and she loved her home on the Little Magothy," her son, Rick, remembered. "Gatherings of family and friends at her home were cherished by my mom and always bubbled with wit and warmth."

A private family service will be held to honor Janet's memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Janet and Dick's name to the Delmarva Nesting Foundation, 6480 Locust Grove Rd, Easton, MD 21601, reflecting their lifelong love for the Chesapeake Bay. http://www.delmarvanestingfoundation.org