Edmay Marie Pritz

Born in Rockford, Illinois, Edmay was raised in a bi-lingual home with a love of language that would ultimately shape her life. She attended local schools prior to enrolling at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign campus where she graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Education. A proud member of Delta Gamma sorority (Iota chapter), she formed relationships that lasted a lifetime.

Edmay began her professional career teaching French to junior high school students in Ohio and Michigan bringing the language and culture to numerous young minds with her characteristic enthusiasm and energy. Later, she chose to retire from the classroom to focus on her greatest loves: her family and her two greatest passions: horses and dog agility.

An accomplished equestrienne, Edmay won the Indiana state amateur hunter/jumper championship in 1997 and was a dedicated member of the prestigious Traders Point Hunt in Zionsville, Indiana. She rode with grace, determination, and a deep respect for the sport. Equally remarkable was her work with her beloved Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Each of her three, four-legged athletes achieved the highest levels in agility competition; a testament to the patience, skill, and bond she shared with them.

Above all, Edmay cherished her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Michael, and their sons, Edmond, Benjamin and his wife Stephanie. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched as a mother, wife, teacher, equestrian, and canine agility enthusiast.

She will be deeply missed.

Contributions in her memory can be made to: Edmay Gregorcy Pritz French student scholarship at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, care of the Illinois Foundation, UI Philanthropy Center, 303 St. Mary's Road, Champaign, IL 61820.