Lili took this picture


"Behold, Florida : unfiltered"


I can't believe Lily is no longer with us. She was such a pleasant and hard working person. She is truly missed and remembered by many of us. 

Lily was like a lil sister to me, to the point that she called me her big brother.  She was one of the most incredible people I have ever met, such a talented musician, artist, rider, and friend.  She had such an incredible spirit and brought a smile to those around her.  I think about her every day, knowing she is riding her Grom through eternity.  Keep the rubber side down, Gizmo, till we meet again.

Lily was such a beautiful person.  I was always so happy to see her. She was one of the first people I interacted with after moving to Gainesville and she made me immediately feel welcome. Right away I could tell she was cheery with a sarcastic sense of humor and a total badass. I always imagined we would have been good friends and am very sad we never got the chance.  She was obviously adored by so many people, likely because she was entirely selfless and would drop everything to help anyone.  I think that last thing I said to her was "you're my hero!". I will miss her dearly. 

Dear Zhan Family:
I spent many hours with Lily. As her “tocaya” as we say in Spanish, we immediately hit it off. Lily shared a great drive to do the very best and be the very best she could be, despite the bureaucratic, financial and other obstacles that I encountered as a senior scholar at UF seeking the support of IT and her advice. Lily was also incredibly and impressively mature, nurturing me wisely through difficult periods in my personal life that would come up during the various computer crises she always resolved. I could go on and on. Sometimes you meet a person who always stays with you and for whom you wish only the best. Lily was one of those great bright lights. I hated my computer, my digital needs, my ignorance and yet I adored Lily and loved having her come and rescue me from Apple, Google, UF and myself. God bless and keep her. I don’t know what happened to Lily. I was shocked when I heard of her death. She was ostensibly but a colleague and yet she was surely a dear, beloved friend. God bless you. 
Abrazos fuertes de 
Lillian (Lily) Guerra
Professor
Cuban & Caribbean History
University of Florida

Dear Family,

Lily was a great friend, a tireless professional, an engaging colleague, and she brought much joy and important service to our Department.  She was known and loved by all of us.  She was always there, and she was patient, giving of her time, and understanding of personal needs.  Like others, I will miss Lily and the happy moments she brought to all of us.  She helped us when we needed assistance, and she lifted our spirits with her smiles, humor, good will, and affection for everyone.  I know this is a terrible loss for you because Lily was such a fine person.  I cannot imagine a sweeter person to be close to your hearts.

With sympathy and best wishes,

Harvey B. Lillywhite
Professor of Biology


Fly high Lily and soar beyond the stars. I’ll always remember the 9 year old I used to call “Peelee” from our exclusive club on the playground...  from CISV summer camp to piano recitals to  swim team, those days wouldn’t have the same without my Peelee. You will be missed dearly 🙏🌈🌞🖤

Lily, your contagious laugh, hilarious stories and genuine care for people will be deeply missed.  You never failed to make me feel like I was chatting with an old friend and each time you popped into the office, or I ran into you out and about, you sparked joy.  You meant so much to so many and my sincerest condolences to all those who loved you. Rest In Peace, Lily. 

Growing up, Lily was one of my best friends. We met in the 3rd or 4th grade and we clicked instantly. With her i didn’t have to worry about fitting in with anyone else, because we always had each other and even if no one else understood us, we understood us and that’s all that mattered. She and I both had a love of books and I remember her bringing me various amazing Asian snacks and sweets. We went on to the same middle school and even though we ended up at a different high school we still remained in touch. Over the years we never stopped checking on the other. This doesn’t even seem real to me. I love you so much Lily, I didn’t get to tell you how much I appreciated you and our friendship. I hope you know❤️

Lily and I met in college and we were both club officers for CASA at UF. She brought such a positive energy to the group. She always made us laugh and had the brightest smile. I enjoyed hanging out with her. We bonded over food and short people problems. I was lucky to have known her. Rest In Peace, Lily. 

Lily, I am so lucky to have been able to spend a year in CASA with you. Small but mighty, you brought a sassy and uplifting energy to our group that I’ll never forget. Your heart of gold will always be remembered, Rest In Peace. 

Lily made a positive difference in people's lives. She helped both teachers and students achieve success and was upbeat. I will miss her.

Lily was always so sweet and friendly. One time I apologized about being messy and she showed me a picture of the messiest room she had ever seen to make me feel better. Her smile was contagious. She will be missed. 

Oh, Lily. I will never forget your joy, your laughter. Lily could fix any IT issue it seemed, but we loved her because she was an amazing person.   I am so sorry to hear of her passing and would like to convey my most sincere condolences to her family. May Lily rest in peace.

Lily was such an amazing and wonderful person. She had such an easygoing, down-to-earth, and helpful personality, ready to drop everything to help anyone with an IT issue. She was a great friend, and I have fond memories of helping record the department lectures with her and hanging out and chatting in her office. The world has lost a bright, shining light. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.

Lily took my class when she was an undergrad. She always smiles and we talked a lot about Sichuan food. Lily continues to work at university and helped me with computer problems after she graduated. She sometimes showed up in my office within minutes after I submitted my request. She was so quick to fix my computer issues and I was very thankful. It is truly sad to say goodbye in this way to her, especially at such a young age. Rest In Peace Lily.

Lily had such a kind and joyful soul. Her laughter was contagious, and her sense of humor could turn any bad day around. I had the pleasure of working with Lily when she was part of CLAS IT. She was always in great spirits when she stopped by for a visit, and so helpful as well. I will miss Lily dearly. My deepest condolences to all family and friends. She was taken too soon.

I met Lily while working in the Department of Geography at UF. The brief work interactions that I had with her revealed the wonderful person that she was. It was a pleasure to have known her, and she will be forever missed. My deepest condolences to her loving family and friends.

Lily was a peaceful, pleasant person with a calming spirit. I'll remember her smile, her laugh, and her willingness to help others. 

 I send my heartfelt condolences, and wish you comfort during this difficult time. 

-Jamie G

I had the pleasure of knowing Lily in high school and in college. It wasn’t until working with her at UF CASA when I got to learn how truly bright and vibrant she is - always knowing the right thing to say and being someone whose presence and character you value wherever you are and for whatever the occasion. She will be missed. Rest In Peace, Lily.

I'm sad for what happened to Lily. She was my student. Actually she was a double major in Chinese. She was hardworking and was an excellent student. Her level of Chinese was the best in her class that year. Needless to say, she was very helpful after she worked as an IT. I was proud of her as my successful student!

I will forever carry the memory of Lily's fun and generous nature, her beautiful smile, and her willingness to help.  

Her visits to our office where so full of energy, laughter, and techy and life advice.  I feel honored to have crossed paths with such a beautiful soul, and will miss her presence dearly.

My thoughts and solidarity for Lily's family and friends.

Lily was very helpful with IT issues and always came to my office with a smile. That is the image I have in my head as I type this message. I am truly sorry to hear about her passing and would like to convey my most sincere condolences to her family. May she Rest In Peace.

My deepest condolences to Lily's family and friends on her passing. May your memories of her help to sustain you.  
Lily never failed to turn my computer problems into bright spots in my day through her visits to my office.  She always solved the technical problems, but she also gave me the opportunity to take a break from work and chat about all kinds of interesting things.  She will live on in the memory of all who knew her, and we will miss her enormously.

So very, very sad to hear this! Lily had such a gift not only of her technological expertise, but also her innate way of relating to people. Lily visited people, like me, when they had a problem. Lily would be very calm, sit in front of the computer, and think on how to solve the issue. If the obvious path didn't work, she would come up with another one. She always left me in awe of her capability, and feeling so very much calmer. Lily, a beautiful name for a beautiful soul! All will miss you, Lily.

Thank you for being an amazing friend and coworker at the time. Thank you for having such a great sense of humor and humoring me whenever I would act dumb. I’ll never forget our conversations, but it’s also because I like going back and reading them because they give me joy. You were truly one of the homies and just overall a genuine, on-the-real person I could talk too. Rest in paradise, girlie~

I met Lily through CASA at UF and she was one of the first people who helped me open up and feel at home. I loved hearing her speak and she was always smiling when I saw her. She was intelligent, funny, and great to be around. We watched movies, went on trips with other CASA members, danced, and much more. Lily will be missed and I was lucky to have known her. Rest in peace Lily

Lily was one of the kindest, sweetest people I have ever met.  I worked with her in Biology at UF and she was not only great at her job but was a joy to be around.  She would always bring us candy and treats as a "thank you" for even a small service that we did for her.  My thoughts and prayers are for her family in this difficult time.

So sorry for your loss.  Lily was such a bright light, full of warmth and humor, with the most amazing smile.  You couldn't help but have your spirits lifted whenever she was around.  She will be missed.

My beautiful Lily I am so sorry God has taken you so soon.  You will always live in my heart.  I can see you smile as a little girl and seeing you grow into such a beautiful and bright young woman.  Lily the world has truly lost a wonderful, kind and brilliant young woman in you.  To the family I am so very sorry that you have lost this  shining star.  I know there are no words now that can see your pain at this time, however, please know my prayers are with you. 

Hon.  Leatrice Williams Walton 

I met Lily when she started working for CLAS IT and liked her immediately. She was funny, smart, and kind, and every time I saw her I loved the new pair of fun earrings she was wearing. Whenever I had an IT issue and she showed up to help, I knew my problem would get fixed and that I'd get to have a fun chat with her and catch up. If I was having a bad day, sometimes that was enough to fix it! Lily was a wonderful woman and I consider myself lucky to have known her. 

Lily was delightful. I have missed her quick wit and deterimination to help ever since she moved on to Biology. 

May her lovely soul Rest In Peace . .

Lily, I missed you when you got your big job and moved over to biology, but i was very happy and proud for you!  You were one of the sweetest people i had ever met at UF when you came to CLASIT. I was lucky to call you my friend, not just a coworker!   Fly High Lily with those big beautiful white wings.... R.I.P. sweet Lily.
Delores

Lily left a profound, beautiful mark in our hearts, she made possible for all of us to be successful at what we do.  We (students, staff and faculty) owe her so much.  Her kindness and beautiful smile will be sorely missed by all of us.  I truly hope you find a bit of solace in knowing that the fruits of her work and the way she poured heart and soul into her job will forever leave a mark in our lives.  I mourn with you. Hugs,

Lily sparked laughter and joy.  She had a great sense of humor.  I always enjoyed her stories of adventures and her motorcycle.  One would never suspect she had such a sense of adventure, she was quiet and reserved but when talking about riding you could see the gleam in her eyes.  I will miss her very much and it saddens me immensely not to see her around.

I just wanted to express my heart felt prayers and condolences to all of you!  Lily was such a sweet kind hearted young lady and I so enjoyed working with her at UF when she worked on our computers.  She really knew her stuff and was always just a quick phone call or walk away when you needed something fixed in a hurry.  She will be greatly missed by all who had a chance to know her!!

Hi,
I am so sorry for your loss.  You and Lily are in my prayers and I wish you strength and peace at this extremely difficult time. May God's light shine upon you.

Lily was an amazing person. I am the on the Biology IT committee and we were all so relieved and excited when Lily joined the department. She was not only skilled, but also had such a calm and reassuring presence, even when computers did what computers do--always at the worst times. 

With condolences,
Matt


OBITUARY

Lily Zhan

1 March, 1992 – 14 September, 2020

Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel & Oaklawn Cemetery

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