BYU faculty member Delynne Peay died Monday, Jan. 13, at 10:05 p.m. She was hospitalized with the flu several days earlier, according to the BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications' External Relations Student Team.
“Delynne was a woman of great energy and life,” said Marilyn Berrett, chair of the dance department, in a news release. “She gave so much to the world of dance and will be dearly missed. She has certainly left a large set of shoes to fill.”
Peay began working in BYU's Department of Dance in 1974 and taught folk dancing and tap. She was the longest-standing member of the dance department's faculty when she died. Peay was described as an 'expert teacher' and 'one of the most influential women on BYU campus' by Mary Bee Jensen, founder of the BYU Folk Dance team and Peay's mentor.
Peay has been recognized for her contributions to the BYU folk dance program and the world dance community.
'She helped explain what folk dance means,' Jensen said. 'She took the program from six couples to a world-renowned program.'
'They have lost an absolute jewel,' Jensen added.
Katilyn T. Gourley, a student of Peay's, has organized a donation site to assist in covering medical expenses. Those interested in donating can visit http://www.gofundme.com/61wafw.