Olga Day

My Babushka and true beloved teacher in my life, was the most incredible person you could ever meet. Its taken me years to acknowledge she's actually gone from me. I'm so glad people were so touched by her. Soar with the dragonflies my amazing Babushka. I know you're still with me.

I took a year of Russian from Olga Day, as a student at SJSU. She was a wonderful teacher, and I never had a clue she was a countess. High class? Yes. Arrogant? Not a whit. When we'd make a mistake speaking Russian, she would hold up her finger and say with a sly grin, "If you are a spy, they will catch you."

Olga Day was loved and deeply respected by my parents (Sergei and Irina Issakow). My grandmother, I believe, was friends with Olga's family in Russia. I attended her wedding as a young girl and have always remembered her to be a wonderfully warm and kind woman. I am sorry for her family's loss.

Olga Day was one of the kindest, more interesting and intelligent individuals I have ever met in my life. She was completely selfless and lived only to teach and help others. At the Defense Language Institute where we were fellow faculty members, she was the perfect example of the exemplary teacher and supportive colleague. Mrs. Day was a living treasure of languages, history and culture. There is almost no one left with her experiences of the past and appreciation of the present. May...