Lizaya Collier, 94

Lizaya Collier of Coeur d'Alene passed away at home Thursday morning, Dec. 8, 2011. She was a lifelong Idaho resident who spent the last 60 years calling Coeur d'Alene her home.  

Liz was born at home in Harrison on July 30, 1917. She was the third of eight children born to Italian immigrants Giacomo and Isolina Luchini. She attended school in Harrison where she excelled in her favorite sport, basketball, despite her diminutive stature of 4'10". It was in Harrison where she met the love of her life, Tom Collier, whom she "had her eye on since the 6th grade!"

Together they raised two boys, Jack and Tom, both of whom served their country in the military. Liz and Tom were blessed with two granddaughters and two grandsons, numerous official and unofficial great and great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. This year they celebrated their 78th wedding anniversary! In addition to Harrison, they lived in Spokane and Wallace before building their house and making Coeur d'Alene their permanent home in the 1950s. Their house and garden were a fixture in the city for Liz's beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Gardening was indeed her passion and for years she made many friends of passersby who would comment on her gorgeous flowers. The local newspaper dubbed her "the flower lady" over the years in many of its stories. Liz was a woman who taught others how to live, not only by the words she spoke, but by the way she lived her life. She treated everyone with respect. She pushed through the pain and fatigue and always worked harder than even those a third her age. She was a tiny woman, it's true, but a giant to those around her who could always count on her to bring the pies, the best green salad, jars of canned fruits, apple sauce, pickles, and jams, and any number of tasty, homemade treats that she was always creating. She never tired of teaching any who wanted to learn how to cook, bake, knit, garden, and can, which were things that were dear to her and she enjoyed sharing them with others. She taught her grandchildren to read and write along with countless neighborhood kids as well, for learning was important to her. She, in turn, was always interested in learning new things herself like trying out new recipes, how to improve her health, making pasta with the great grandkids for the first time in her 90's, and even learning to drive in her 50's. She enjoyed camping and fishing with her family. She also liked traveling, having visited Italy, Japan, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, and several states within the U.S. But mostly, she loved visiting with her friends and family, simply chatting, playing cards, or having a meal or dessert that she prepared.  

She is preceded in death by her father Giacomo Luchini, mother Isolina Luchini, step-mother Maria Luchini, brothers Primo and Secondo Luchini, sisters Marie Ward and Flora Canfield, and son Jack Collier.

She is survived by her husband Tom Collier, sisters Elsie Pascuzzi and Gisella Romano, brother Angelo Luchini, son Tom (Jim) Collier, daughters-in-law Marie Collier and Pat Collier.

In lieu of flowers, Lizaya wanted donations to be made to The Children's Village, 1350 West Hanley Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815-8638, telephone (208) 667-1189.

There will be a memorial service 3:00 P.M. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011, at Yates Funeral Home, 744 North Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. A reception will immediately follow at the Hampton Inn, 1500 Riverstone Drive, Coeur d'Alene. All who would like to celebrate Liz's life are welcome. Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.