Elizabeth Fay Deysher of Amherst, passed away on Monday, November 6, after a lengthy battle with PSP, a form of Parkinson’s Disease. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by family and close friends. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 54 years, David A. Deysher, two loving daughters and son in law, Kathryn Elizabeth Kennedy and Cory Kennedy of Amherst, NH and Christine Alyssa Deysher of Truckee, CA. She was blessed with 4 beautiful granddaughters, Emma and Libby Kennedy of Amherst and Hazel and Neva Brumm of Truckee. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Noralie and Terry LaFevre of Milford, NJ along with nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Fay was born in Trenton, New Jersey on June 5, 1946, the daughter of Warren N. Haney and Evelyn Hawk Haney of Milford, NJ. She graduated from Bucknell University in 1968 with a degree in Elementary Education. It was at Bucknell where she met her husband, David. She and David moved to Amherst in 1979 to raise their family. When her two daughters were in elementary school, she went back to school at Rivier University and earned her Masters Degree as a Reading Specialist and then followed her daughter Christy to second grade at Wilkins School where she remained as a First and Second Grade Teacher and subsequently Reading Specialist for over 22 years. After retiring, she continued part time at the Mont Vernon Village School. Collectively she was an educator for over 30 years and is fondly remembered by past students and colleagues.

Known as Daisy to her grandchildren, this loving nickname was soon adopted by her friends because to know her was to love her. She was considered by all to be a kind, loving, patient, forgiving and unselfish woman. She touched many lives and her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy.

Beyond her profession, she was active as a Sunday School Teacher at the Congregational Church of Amherst and also served on the Deaconate. She was involved with both the Newcomers and Junior Women’s Club of Amherst. She loved reading, gardening and was an active athlete playing, tennis, golf, skiing and snowshoeing. The beach was her true happy place. Growing up she spent summers in L.B.I. on the Jersey Shore. She instilled this love in her family by spending cherished time in L.B.I. and later in Wellfleet, MA.

Some of her fondest memories were from the 23 years that she and David lived in their 1772 farmhouse in Wilton. Her energy from the classroom carried over to her timeless effort working in her beautiful gardens on The Farm and entertaining her friends and family. Work hard, play hard was her mantra. She will be sorely missed by anyone she touched. We love you Daisy!

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Fay’s life will be held Saturday, January 13 with the Service commencing at 12:00 Noon in The Congregational Church of Amherst and reception to follow immediately after at Hampshire Hills Athletic Club in Milford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation or michaeljfox.org to help with Parkinson’s research.

Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com