Dayis Veronica Frankie Novy

WASHINGTON – Dayis Veronica Frankie Novy, 90, of Washington, died Friday, January 17, 2014 at Washington Chrisitan Village in Washington. She was born April 25, 1923 in Ashland, WI to Clovis and Lila Sharron Frankie. She grew up on Lake Superior and never minded the cold weather. She excelled in school, journalism, thespian performances, Glee Club and was the Yearbook Editor. She wrote poetry and short stories and was published at age 13 in magazines and the local paper. Dayis graduate in 1940 at the age of 17, tied for Valedictorian of her class at De Padua High School. She attended Gordons College of Business for two years to become a stenographer and fulfilled the qualifications of “Expert Writer” in short hand. Shortly after turning 18 in 1942, she moved to Milwaukee and began working in a medical office. Later, she used her skills for the war effort. She worked for the War Department in Civil Service during the day and at International Harvester at night in the artillery shell tool line. In April, 1946, while visiting her brother, Merton, in Greenville, S.C., he introduced her to the love of her life, Lester “Les” C. Novy. They were married September 23, 1947. They lived in Peoria, IL until shortly after their first son was born and then moved to Washington, IL in August of 1949. They were members of St. Patrick Church where Dayis was active in the Womens Guild. She also was active in the community and was a member of the Newcomers Club, Dance of the Month, and Washington Women’s Club. One of her favorite activities was participating in amateur performances on the stage set-up on the town square. Tapping into her art as a thespian, in 1950 she created “After Dinner” programs similar in style to the beloved humorist, Erma Bombeck. She performed her program throughout Tazewell and neighboring counties. As her children grew she became involved in 4-H with the Washington Willing Workers and directed many years of “Share the Fun” performances. She actively involved herself in her five children’s school assignments. Dayis enjoyed many hobbies including her bridge group and was a voracious reader sometimes completing a book a day. She especially enjoyed British mysteries. In 2008, she realized a life-long dream and published “Daydreams by Dayis”, a keepsake compilation book of 78 of her poems. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Les, and all her five children, David (Billie) Novy of Saint Paul, MN, Lisa (John) Schwarzlose of Indian Wells, CA, Michele (Scott) Harriage of Olympia, WA, Gerald (Barbara) Novy of Geneva, IL, and Stephanie (Rich) Mattox of Friday Harbor, WA, 13 grandchildren, 2 great-granddaughters, and her only sibling Merton J. (Peggy) Frankie of Puyallap, WA. A funeral mass for Dayis will be at 11 am Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at St. Patrick Church in Washington. Father John Steffen will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-6 pm Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, where recitation of the Rosary will be at 6 pm. Additional visitation will begin at 10:30 Wednesday at the church. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.

Dayis Veronica Frankie Novy

April 25, 1923 - January 17, 2014