Mary Nancy Dee Lilly

Mary Nancy Dee Lilly passed away peacefully at home on 12 March 2016 after a brief and valiant battle with breast cancer, surrounded by family and friends. Daughter of John Foley Dee and Catherine Giardina Dee, she was born in Massachusetts but grew up in Murfreesboro, Tennessee - she was truly southern by the grace of God. After studying fine art for two years, she took to the skies as a stewardess for Delta Air Lines, the start of a long career in the airline industry. In 1969, she married Robert Augustine Lilly, Jr. Together, they raised their two children, Catherine and Francis, and eventually settled in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is survived by her husband, both children, and her beloved grandson, Robert.

Nancy was a loving and devoted wife, mother, daughter, friend, and confidant. She embraced the world, travelled often, and brought love and light to those who knew her. She was an excellent gardener, a lover of art and music, the life of every party, an impassioned advocate for her family and friends, and the best travel buddy anyone could ask for. In the end, she exemplified extraordinary courage and grace in the face of terminal illness. Her family would like to thank all who cared for her in her last weeks, especially Mona Mafi, Good Shepherd Home Care and Hospice, and Dr. John K. Hayes and his colleagues at Gamma West Cancer Services.

A funeral mass will be celebrated in her memory at 11:00 am on 4 May 2016 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 3015 E. Creek Road, Sandy, UT preceded by a visitation at 10:00 am at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and traveling as much as your heart desires.