Lily Daz Boyer, an Elko County resident for more than 86 years, died at Reno’s Renown Medical Center on December 16, 2015, after an unexpected health complication. She was born in Ogden, Utah, on May 23, 1926, to Lucy and Guido Daz, both Italian immigrants. She was the eldest of two children.
Lily was raised in Montello, Nevada, and attended elementary and secondary schools in the small community. After high school graduation she moved to Salt Lake City to study teaching at St. Mary’s of the Wasatch. A teacher shortage called Lily back to Montello where she taught grades 1-3 for three years. While visiting family in Craig, Colorado, on summer break she met Jack Boyer who became her husband on December 23, 1953. She received her teaching degree from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Both Lily and Jack worked for the Elko County School District. The couple had one daughter, Jacki.
Lily taught at both Grammar #2 and Northside Elementary schools until 1992. She spent 35 years dedicating herself to second graders and remedial reading and writing students. She loved teaching and is fondly remembered by colleagues and former students.
Lily was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the AAUW, the Women of St. Joseph, and served as a volunteer for numerous other service groups. In her spare time she played bridge and enjoyed wintering in Arizona with other retired teachers and friends. She enjoyed watching over “the kids” (her first cousins Ray Paoli (Kay), Joann Kern (Duane), Louise Aguirre (Frank), and Ralph Paoli (Judy), and participating in family gatherings.
Lily will be remembered for her kindness, her devotion to teaching, her addictive caramel popcorn (which was fought over by family and friends) and her artistic nature. She brought smiles to those who passed her Cedar Street home and saw two wooden geese on her porch, dressed in an ever-changing array of stylish outfits. Lily, an accomplished seamstress, made her own clothes and a full line of designer goose wear.
This caring, creative, devoted teacher is survived by her brother, Roy Daz of Sparks, her daughter, Jacki Boyer, and grandsons Josh Maderis (Emily), Nathan Maderis, and Kenny Maderis.
A mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 31st at St. Joseph’s Church. A gathering will follow at Mater Dei Hall. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in Lily’s name to The Terrace at Ruby View (the senior center), at 1795 Ruby View Drive, Elko.
