Elisa Ann Posey passed away peacefully on February 18, 2021. She was born on October 20, 1962 in Spokane, Washington. She grew up in Southern California where she became an athlete, avid surfer, and Beach Boys fan. Elisa lived most of her adult life in Salt Lake City, Utah and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Elisa graduated from Alta Loma High School in Rancho Cucamonga, CA in 1981. As a high school student, Elisa excelled in academics and lettered in multiple sports, including tennis, basketball, volleyball, and track & field. Elisa earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Physical Education and a minor in Psychology from Brigham Young University in 1993. In 2016, she furthered her education and received a Master of Education Administration from Southern Utah University.
As an educator, Elisa taught at Union Middle School from 1998-2002, Alta High School from 2002-2013, and Corner Canyon High School from 2013-2018, among other teaching assignments. She taught Physical Education and Psychology, and coached sports such as basketball, tennis, track and field, and cross country.
Elisa also had the privilege of working with students who were homebound due to health issues. These were some of her favorite teaching experiences because it allowed her to gain a deeper understanding for each student and their family as she influenced and guided them toward success.
In 2014, Elisa was honored in KSL’s Teacher Feature (https://kslnewsradio.com/teacher-feature/elisa-posey-corner-canyon-high-school/) for her tremendous work. In 2017, she received the American Heart Association Heart Saver Hero Award (https://www.canyonsdistrict.org/general-news/3937-corner-canyons-receives-award-for-using-aed-on-student/).
Without a doubt, Elisa was happiest when helping students. She exuded empathy and compassion to those she taught. Her devotion to teaching and her community were worth all the sacrifices. Students used to say, “Posey walks on water.” Part of her earthly legacy will be the work she did to single-handedly change lives.
Elisa was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved with fierce and unconditional loyalty. Her two daughters, Julia Posey and Lauren Posey, will forever carry a love and admiration for the strong woman who raised them. As a single mother, she worked hard to give her daughters the best. She dedicated her heart and hands to them. She absolutely worshipped her grandson, Eli Anndrew Posey. He will forever carry her name and a deep love for her. She spoiled him with Legos, trips, art projects; everything a grandma would do and more.
Elisa loved a good road trip listening to Neil Diamond on the way to Dead Horse Point, Disneyland, or anywhere with Lauren, Eli, and their beautiful canine Posey Pack: Riggins, Taylor, Lyla, Garrity, and Kora.
One of her proudest memories was running the Los Angeles marathon and the Salt Lake City marathon in 2001 with her father, Tony. She also ran the OC half-marathon in 2011 with her daughter, Lauren.
Elisa had a presence about her that brought beauty to the world. She had a keen eye for photography and loved being behind the lens. She loved the anecdote, “Life is like a camera. Focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, take another shot.” She wasn’t a quitter and expected the best from herself and from those around her.
We honor the life of Elisa Posey. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister with a voice that could be heard and appreciated. She could make you smile no matter how bad you felt. She brought beauty and grit to this world and left everything changed because of her love and loyalty to those she loved and served.
Elisa is survived by her daughters Julia and Lauren Posey, and grandson Eli Anndrew Posey. She is also survived by her parents, Susan and Antonio Vargas and siblings: Audrey Mijares, Doris Donley, Robert Carpenter, Deborah Randol, Chris Carpenter, Linda Tong, Dorothy Vargas, Miguel Vargas, and Ramona Chronis. She loved all of her family and each of them held a special place in her heart.
She will be interred at Larkin Mortuary after a private graveside service.
Please drink a Diet Coke in Elisa’s memory and take her one - we all know she could use one. To help preserve her memory, please email any fond memories to posey.lauren@gmail.
Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose!
Posey I love you with all heart and my heart is very sad with your passing. I wish I could have one more day with you here as my friend. I know how you loved bling and your angel wings will have special bling just for you! I will always remember the years of good times we had together as friends. You will always be in my heart. You have done so much for me and Parker. Your in God's peaceful arms and now you can rest in peace till we meet again.
I’ll always remember going on that summer road trip to Utah and up to Canada. We definitely listened to a lot of Neil Diamond. America was my favorite song that summer. Even though I was on summer vacation, she still gave me some math worksheets to do! I’ll miss you, Aunt Elisa.
Dear Lauren,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed so much reading about your dear, departed mother in this inspiring obituary. She sounds like such an amazing woman. She truly led a wonderful life and sounds like she influenced many people in our community through her work as a teacher. You have definitely carried on that legacy with your own accomplishments and teaching. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. I hope you will find peace and healing over time. Take care.
Much love and prayers for your family,
Kierstin and Dane Glenn
Lauren, so sorry to hear about your mother. I didn't even know she had been ill. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I will always remember our visits at your house and being able to banter with your Mom. I hope I wasn't a nuisance over the years. Its a comfort at times like this to have the knowledge of the resurrection and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you.
Lauren, What a highlight to read a little about your mom and the amazing life she lived! So inspiring to read about her accomplishments as a teacher, dedicating her time to nurturing and developing young minds, pursuing worthwhile and fulfilling hobbies, and most of all, being a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. All beautiful things to aspire to! I have no doubt she is proud of all you are doing to continue her legacy. May you find continued peace and comfort in God’s love, as well as in the beautiful memories you created with your dear mother. Much love, Britney and Bennett Lewis
Dear Lauren, I just found out about your Mom. I am so sorry to hear this. We had so many good laughs at Alta and I saw first hand how much she loved the kids and teaching. Even though we have not seen each other for many years, My condolences and prayers are with you, Julia, and Eli.
She was my teacher. She taught at a school of misfits and went out of her way to show us there was a different way of life out there. She went the extra mile to get involved in my life and changed it forever. I'm truly sorry I waited to tell her what she did for me and what it meant. I hope she knows.
