By Karen Andrew
The Cincinnati Enquirer

DELHI TOWNSHIP - Retired C.O. Harrison School teacher Edna Joy Gausman Ilg practiced her motto in life, "Do your best," by spending as much time as required to ensure her students understood their lessons.

"She has a legacy of loving kids and was willing to go the second mile with them," said Mark Koerner, principal of C.O. Harrison.

"She was from the old school in terms of her work ethic - she was always willing to do more than was expected. She will be greatly missed."

Although lung cancer took her life on Thursday, the longtime Delhi resident was a 27-year breast cancer survivor. Mrs. Ilg died at Riverview Nursing Community in Delhi. She was 78.

Mrs. Ilg grew up in Carthage and graduated from Hughes High School in 1943. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Cincinnati in 1947 and did post-graduate work there.

She married Daniel I. Ilg, also of Carthage, in 1946, and they moved to Delhi in 1955.

She first taught at the 3rd District elementary in Covington, and later in Cincinnati schools.

Mrs. Ilg went on hiatus for a few years to raise a family, but returned to teaching in 1969 at C.O Harrison. She taught sixth-grade mathematics for more than 20 years.

"She worked very hard to make sure a student understood - she tried different approaches," said one of her sons, Daniel I. Ilg Jr. of Cherry Grove.

"She was totally dedicated to family, faith and educating children - always put others first."

Mrs. Ilg retired in 1991 but was rehired by C.O. Harrison as an intervention specialist and substitute. She worked until early 2003.

She was a 50-year member of Dorcas Chapter No. 277 OES and an active member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and the Hamilton County Retired Teachers Association.

She taught Sunday school for more than 40 years and had served as president of Woman's Fortnightly Reading Club and the United Methodist Women.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel I. Sr., in 1990.

In addition to her son, Daniel, survivors include another son, Robert L. of Delhi Township; a brother, Victor Gausman of Delhi Township; and six grandchildren.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. today at Shiloh United Methodist Church, Anderson Ferry and Foley Roads, Delhi. The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

Memorials: Shiloh United Methodist Church, 580 Anderson Ferry Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45238 or the Joy Ilg Memorial Fund c/o Madelon Hall, C.O. Harrison Elementary School, 585 Neeb Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45233.

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E-mail kandrew@enquirer.com